Neutron activation analysis has been used to characterize 60 metal objects
from the Moche site, of which four are associated with the Chimu Period, tw
o with the Early Chimu Period and the others with various Moche IV contexts
. Different types of utilitarian and non-utilitarian objects were analysed
to identify the metals present, and to investigate their chemical compositi
on and their eventual source. The results clearly indicate the distinction
between Chimu and Moche artefacts and confirm the generalized opinion that
arsenic bronze was popular after AD 900. They also indicate that gilding co
pper objects with gold was already a common practice during the Moche era.