Metalurgija (Jan 2017)
The technology transfer of non-ferrous alloys casting during the middle age
Abstract
The article reports on the findings from the metallographic analysis of 13th c. archaeological objects from Chełm (eastern Poland). The group submitted for analysis includes jeweller’s dies used in the production of women’s ceremonial ornaments, crucibles and bronze ornaments. The Mongol invasion of 13th c. had caused craftsmen from central areas of East Europe to flee and seek shelter in the western parts of Rus. It may be safe to interpret the finds from Chełm as the remains of a jeweller’s workshop, the site of casting and working copper alloys and silver. The analysis of the technology used in casting copper alloys and silver in the jeweller’s workshop were made using optical microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray radiography.
