A Multi‐Analytical Approach for the Compositional Characterization and Chronological Discrimination of Benin (Nigeria) Metal Sculptures

This study presents a multi‐analytical archaeometric approach for the compositional characterization and chronological discrimination of Benin metal sculptures in relation to the 1897 Punitive Expedition. The methodology integrates elemental composition (XRF and ICP), stable lead isotope ratios (MC‐ICP‐MS) for alloy system characterization, and residual 210 Pb activity measurements (LSC) in a sequential three‐stage protocol. Applied to 11 sculptures from a German museum, the results demonstrate progressive refinement in distinguishing pre‐ and post‐1897 productions. The approach provides a robust and reproducible basis for authenticity assessment and production chronology within provenance and restitution research.