The Application of Neutron imaging to investigate the Design and Manufacture of a Bronze Oinochoe

Abstract

Neutron imaging is a non-destructive and non-invasive method for analyzing ancient materials and their construction. This paper demonstrates the utility of neutron tomography for investigating a bronze Roman oinochoe (a wine pouring vessel) to better understand the methods of its fabrication. Adaptations to traditional modes of formation may be explored due to the long history of use of this vessel form. The neutron imaging results allowed researchers from both archaeological and materials science disciplines to evaluate steps in the manufacturing process, as well as to view the interior constituents of the bronze vessel for future preservation measures. The results highlight how neutron imaging may provide otherwise inaccessible details of the fabrication of the bronze oinochoe. This study was performed on the CG-1D neutron imaging beamline at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, USA.