An analytical study using electron and ion microscopy of thin-walled crucibles from Goltepe, Turkey

Archaeological artefacts have been analysed using surface analytical techniques to investigate potential evidence for tin ore smelting activities, dating from the Early Bronze Age (3000-2000 BC). The samples originate from Goltepe, south-central Turkey, where archaeological excavations have been in progress since 1990. Many groundstone tools and ceramic crucibles have been discovered and it is presumed that these materials were used to smelt cassiterite (tin ore), originating from Kestel mine which is located 2 km from the site. Before the discovery of this Early Bronze Age mine, the tin used to produce bronze in Anatolia during the Early Bronze Age was considered to be imported from distant places. The present study, however, provides results which strongly suggest that the crucibles were used for the processing of tin-bearing materials and which therefore also provide clear evidence of a local tin industry.