Archaeological Research Facility

The analysis here of 10 native copper nodules (Figure 1), 13 copper bells, and one copper fetish (see cover image), suggests the possibility of local production of the fetish, and possibly the bells (see Table 1 and Figures 2 and 3). However, the proportion of Cu in the bells is over 91%, many near 99% and the proportion of corresponding trace elements so low that based on XRF, and the lack of data from known copper artifact production centers (i.e. Paquimé, northern Chihuahua) no confident assignments can be made at this time. The elemental and statistical correspondence between the copper nodules and the bells is generally very high, however. Analysis of local copper ore and elemental data from other copper artifacts and copper sources could shed light on the issue.