Publication details
Mikroskopický průzkum povrchu kovových předmětů z Hoštic I
| Title in English | Microscopic investigation of metal object surfaces from Hoštice I |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Pohřebiště z období zvoncovitých pohárů na trase dálnice D1 Vyškov – Mořice |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology |
| Keywords | Bell Beaker Culture;use wear analysis; corrosion products of metal finds;organic residuals |
| Description | The assemblage consists of 90 objects (inventory numbers) made from gold, silver and copper in various states of fragmentation and degree of corrosion, discovered in Beaker Bell culture burials at Hoštice 1, district Vyškov. The goal of this investigation was to record and interpret microscopic traces on the metal object surfaces from this cemetery. Manufacturing traces were observed on some of the gold and silver objects. Identifiable sutures (fissures) on small metal plates have been interpreted as joints which remained after attachment of the smaller pieces to create a larger sheet. Thickened edges have been interpreted as relics of separation (cutting) of desired final pieces from a larger sheet. Curved ends of metal sheets and apertures made with sharp points can be interpreted as traces of attachments of small metal sheets to the main section of the composite object (leather or textile). Lengthwise joints (fissures) and the internal spaces (gaps) of some gold wires indicate manufacture by curving of small metal plates. Facets on some wires indicate shaping of the material into its final shape. Traces of usewear are apparent particularly on convex surfaces of the gold and silver objects. These traces have not been observed in the concavities. Interior surfaces of the small metal plates which adhered to another material (e.g. a leather strap) can be clearly distinguished, possessing a grainy surface (probably the original surface made from metal) and shielded from abrasion, from outer surfaces which are glossy. The location of fine striations suggests that they originated from accidental abrasion during use, although it cannot be ruled out that the glaze partly originates from final polishing during the final stages of manufacture. The preserved traces show that grave goods were originally objects which were used. Traces on one of the daggers indicate sharpening but there is no evidence for cutting or other use. |
| Related projects: |