Provenance and production of lead beads from the Nanhai No. I shipwreck: insights from neutron imaging and multi-technique analysis

doi:10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-07014-4

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	Provenance and production of lead beads from the Nanhai No. I shipwreck: insights from neutron imaging and multi-technique analysis
	Li, Naisheng 1; Chen, Dian 2,3; Li, Chao 4; Zhang, Jihao 4; Wang, Tianyun 5; Wu, Meimei 5; He, Linfeng 5; Luo, Wugan 2,3
	2025-11-09
发表期刊	EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
ISSN	2190-5444
卷号	140 期号:11 页码:13
通讯作者	Wu, Meimei(mmwu@ciae.ac.cn) ; Luo, Wugan(xiahua@ucas.ac.cn)
摘要	This study presents the first comprehensive archeometric investigation of miniature lead-tin beads (diameter < 5 mm) recovered from the Nanhai No. I shipwreck, dating to the Southern Song dynasty (thirteenth century CE). Combining elemental analysis, lead isotope measurements, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, and neutron imaging, the research reconstructs the beads' material composition, manufacturing techniques, and provenance. Neutron imaging effectively reveals internal features, including central perforations and the absence of casting defects, suggesting that the beads were likely cast in molds fitted with slender metal or organic pins to create the perforations. Chemical results show that the beads were made from a relatively pure lead-tin alloy (Pb > 90%, Sn < 10%), designed for low melting points and efficient casting. Raman and SEM analyses reveal a distinct corrosion pattern, with a PbO2-rich dark core and a whitish lead carbonate surface, reflecting long-term burial in a marine environment. Lead isotope ratios suggest the raw materials likely originated from smelting centers in coastal regions such as Zhejiang or Fujian, aligning with the ship's trading route. These findings highlight not only the technological strategies behind low-cost, high-output metal goods, but also the role of localized manufacture and regional resource use in the maritime economy of the Southern Song. The study provides new perspectives on the circulation of minor commodities and the integration of coastal industries into broader trade networks along the Maritime Silk Road.
DOI	10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-07014-4
收录类别	SCI
语种	英语
资助项目	China Postdoctoral Science Foundation[2021M703163]###2664 ; National Social Science Fund of China[20VJXG018]###1326
项目资助者	China Postdoctoral Science Foundation ; National Social Science Fund of China
WOS研究方向	Physics
WOS类目	Physics, Multidisciplinary
WOS记录号	WOS:001611248600001
出版者	SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
引用统计
文献类型	期刊论文
条目标识符	http://119.78.100.205/handle/311034/25099
专题	中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所
通讯作者	Wu, Meimei; Luo, Wugan
作者单位	1.Natl Ctr Archaeol, Beijing 100013, Peoples R China 2.Univ Chinese Acad Sci, Dept Archaeol & Anthropol, Beijing 100049, Peoples R China 3.Chinese Acad Sci, Key Lab Vertebrate Evolut & Human Origin, Inst Vertebrate Paleontol & Paleoanthropol, Beijing 100049, Peoples R China 4.Natl Res Ctr Geoanal, Beijing 100037, Peoples R China 5.China Inst Atom Energy, Dept Nucl Phys, Beijing 102413, Peoples R China
推荐引用方式 GB/T 7714	Li, Naisheng,Chen, Dian,Li, Chao,et al. Provenance and production of lead beads from the Nanhai No. I shipwreck: insights from neutron imaging and multi-technique analysis[J]. EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS,2025,140(11):13.
APA	Li, Naisheng.,Chen, Dian.,Li, Chao.,Zhang, Jihao.,Wang, Tianyun.,...&Luo, Wugan.(2025).Provenance and production of lead beads from the Nanhai No. I shipwreck: insights from neutron imaging and multi-technique analysis.EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS,140(11),13.
MLA	Li, Naisheng,et al."Provenance and production of lead beads from the Nanhai No. I shipwreck: insights from neutron imaging and multi-technique analysis".EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS 140.11(2025):13.