Metal Composition of Chance Finds from the Steppe and Forest Steppe Zones of the Southern Trans-Urals

Abstract

In the paper the composition of non-ferrous metal of Early Iron Age chance finds in the forest steppe and steppe of the Southern Trans-Urals was studied with using X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). The purpose of the study was to compare the composition of the metal used by the population of these natural areas. The research aims to confirm the previously made observation about the predominant use of “pure” copper and copper with a slight admixture of other metals by the population of the forest-steppe. It was due to the limited sources of metal supply. Practically the only suppliers were the bearers of the Itkul archaeological culture. The obtained analytical data indicate that lead alloying took place in local settlements in the forest steppe. The nomads of the steppe zone of the Southern Trans-Urals, judging by the studies of metal finds, had access to different sources of non-ferrous metal, which allowed craftsmen to differentiate the metal in the process of producing objects for various purposes. The distribution of tin bronzes among them indicates direct or indirect connections with the areas, where tin was mined.

Keywords

• archaeology
• southern trans-urals
• early iron age
• non-ferrous metal
• x-ray fluorescence analysis