Improvement and integration: scientific analyses of willow-leaf shaped bronze swords excavated from the Shuangyuan Village Cemetery, Chengdu, China

Abstract Willow-leaf shaped sword is a kind of exclusive bronze weapon popular only in the states Ba and Shu during Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC). Its prototype may originate from Central Asia India typical example trans-regional cross-cultural artifact. Here, we present scientific study willow-leaf swords State Shuangyuan Village Cemetery, Chengdu, by pXRF MC-ICP-MS, attempted to argue for improvement integration production characterizing its elemental composition lead isotopic signature. The results show that there significant difference tin content material source between swords. This feature can be applied as an important indicator distinguish Shu, especially when appearances are almost confused. alloy formula was influenced bronze-making technology Chu other states. Combining published isotope data willow-shaped swords, it inferred has produced weapons with considerable frequency many batches, which major motivation triggering faster progress craft.