The lead ores circulation in Central China during the early Western Han Dynasty: A case study with bronze vessels from the Gejiagou site.

Abstract

This study first publishes lead isotope data of bronze vessels from Central China in Western Han Dynasty and attempts to find out the lead ores circulation of this time by taking bronzes from the Gejiagou site (Nanyang City, Henan Province) as an example. The elemental concentrations suggest the lead should be introduced on purpose and indicate the provenance information of lead ores. All the lead isotope ratios conform to the characteristics of common lead and most of them are similar to Nanyang local lead ores. The lead of another two bronzes, NY9 and NY13, should be imported from southern China. Combined with the historical background of early Western Han Dynasty, the wider range of the lead ore circulation may be an indicator for, as the loose policy, economic prosperity and transportation improvement.