In the present study, the intended dagger is analyzed using metallographic microscopes (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and radiography. The results and data obtained from device analysis of the dagger indicated Copper-Arsenic alloy (Cu- As) which hasbeen made using casting method. The existence of Cuprite, Tenorite and Paratacamite phases indicated the variable environmental conditions which had resulted in the brittleness and flimsiness of the bronze dagger. | Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology June 2017, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 47-54 ISSN 2334-2420 (Print) 2334-2439 (Online) Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved. Published by American Research Institute for Policy Development DOI: URL: Identifying the Technology of a Bronze Dagger Discovered in Espidezh Region of Bazman in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran Vahid Pourzarghan1 Hossein Sarhadi-Dadian2 Samine Hosseini3 Abstract Espidezh is historical cemetery and main heritage of Baluchistan with an area of 25 hectares. It is one of the most important settlement centers of the pre-history era. Numerous bronze monuments and objects with multiple applications have been obtained from this archaeological site. One ofthe discovered artifacts is a bronze dagger belonging to the early second millennium BC. In the present study, the intended dagger is analyzed using metallographic microscopes (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and radiography. The results and data obtained from device analysis of the dagger indicated Copper-Arsenic alloy (Cu- As) which hasbeen made using casting method. The existence of Cuprite, Tenorite and Paratacamite phases indicated the variable environmental conditions which had resulted in the brittleness and flimsiness of the bronze dagger. Key words: Espidezh, dagger, bronze disease, Cu-As alloy, XRD, SEM-EDS 1. Introduction Espidezh, the historical cemetery and beating heart of Baluchestan heritage, is one of the most important settlement centers belonging to prehistory era and is located 40 kilometers away from southwest of Bazman town in Iranshahr city. Espidezh with an area of approximately 25 hectares includes the monuments of two distinct eras of Islamic and prehistory periods (Figure 1). The Islamic periods includes the remnants of a stone castle, stone fortifications and tombs and are generally located in the southeast of the area. The prehistory .
