A Non-local Source of Irish Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age Gold

• DOI: 10.1017/ppr.2015.4
• Publication Date: 2015-04-08T12:31:11Z
• Authors: Christopher D. St...; Bruno Dhuime; Chris J. Hawkesworth; Alistair W. G. Pike
• Keywords: Chalcolithic; Gold ore

Lead isotope analyses of 50 Irish Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age gold artefacts favour a source in southern Ireland. However when combined with major element analysis, the are not consistent any deposit analysed to date. Understanding lead signatures ore deposits within study region allows informed inferences be drawn regarding likelihood that an unanalysed was exploited past. If is assumed, then most likely have originated from hosted by Old Red Sandstone Variscan field south-west However, based on our current understanding mineralisation region, this scenario considered unlikely. A non-Irish for therefore preferred – may cosmologically-driven acquisition, ie, deliberate procurement material distant or esoteric sources. Available geochemical data, archaeological evidence, alluvial Britain as gold.