A caracterization of golden precolumbian Peruvian artifacts: Towards an interpretation of the analytic results

In this paper we present the results of the study of 581 Pre Columbian gold artifacts, which belong to a private collection. The main objective was to determine which of the pieces belonged to the National Heritage. All the objects were analyzed macroscopically, examining the iconography and manufacture techniques. Next, a set of 26 representative objects was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-Ray Fluorescence analysis. Finally, 344 objects identified as non heritage were analyzed using the same technique to confirm the initial results. This study has allowed us to establish guidelines for the study of ancient gold objects.