Late Neolithic Copper Axes from South Scandinavia

This study investigates whether Late Neolithic copper axes from South Scandinavia were deliberately silver-coated or if observed silver traces result from post-depositional processes. Using a multi-method approach including microscopic, metallographic, chemical analyses and non-destructive P-ED-XRF screening, we examined four axes in detail and 25 additional specimens. Results show no evidence of intentional silver coating. Instead, silver detected on some surfaces likely derives from secondary enrichment during corrosion, provided that silver was present in the original metal. Axes with silver traces share impurity patterns typical of fahlore copper, widely used in Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Europe. Experimental corrosion tests confirm that silver can migrate and concentrate at oxidised surfaces under natural conditions. These findings challenge our earlier interpretation of decorative silver coating on a Late Neolithic copper axe.