Analysis of copper-base and gold artifacts from the Phyi Dbang-Dung Kar site in western Tibet, China, 400 BCE–600 CE

Phyi Dbang-Dung Kar is one of the most important archaeological sites in western Tibet which lasted from the Bronze Age to the 16th century. Nomadic swords here provide new evidence of interaction outside the western Himalayas. These copper-base and gold artifacts were analyzed for their elemental, metallographic, and lead isotopic features. A comparative study suggests that the raw materials used changed over time and show few connections with Nepal or southwest China. However, similar copper-base and gold techniques were seen in Nepal and India. Even though direct trading is not confirmed, interaction regarding techniques in the western Himalayas is a possibility.