Chemical Composition: XRF data from Artax 1
Alloy: Copper
Alloying Elements: copper
Other Elements: lead/arsenic, iron
K. Eremin, January 2014
Technical Observations: This statuette is unusual in that its structure is hollow. It is possible that the core somehow corroded away. It is also possible that it is a hollow cast, perhaps by slush casting, whereby the molten metal is poured into a mold and poured out while still molten, leaving behind a thin wall of chilled metal to solidify against the mold. The heavily corroded condition and burial deposits suggest that it is indeed ancient.
The surface is predominantly black, with some green corrosion and tan burial deposits. The figure was previously repaired. It is missing its top, bottom, and proper right hand. Numerous holes allow a view inside where lumpy corrosion can be seen. The surface appears to be highly mineralized, with cuprite visible in section as the substrate and layers of green and black corrosion on top.
Carol Snow (submitted 2002)