CHEMICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF ARTISTIC PRODUCTS MADE OF BRONZE FROM COLCHIS OF THE 1ST MILLENNIUM BC

Abstract

The article examines the results of a comprehensive chemical and technological study of bronze works of art discovered in the territory of historical Colchis dating to the 1st millennium BC. A diverse range of artifacts from major archaeological sites (Ureki, Nigvziani, Mukhurcha, 
Ergeta, Vani, Sakanchia) has been analyzed, including by small-scale plastic art, sculpture, jewelry, and ritual objects.Spectral emission analysis revealed that the majority of the items were made of arseni
cal bronze and of alloys obtained through tin-lead alloying. The study demonstrates that in pre-antique Colchis, bronze production continued the traditions of non-ferrous metalworking established during the Late Bronze Age.Particular attention is devoted to anthropomorphic and zoomorphic plastic art, including 
sculptures of mounted goddesses and the well-known “Colchian Madonna”. Analysis of sculptures discovered at the Hellenistic city site of Vani indicates that they were produced on a local copper-bronze manufacturing base. These works represent examples of Hellenistic plastic art and reproduce the stylistic and technological characteristics of sculptures made by Greek cast
ing craftsmen using the lost-wax technique.The research results clearly confirm the autochthonous and gradual development of plastic thinking in Colchis, where, alongside local cultural features, the stylistic and technological influence of Hellenistic plastic art is also reflected.