Tradecraft of the Avars’ metalworking – manufacturing of iron axes and a special multi-metallic method used for belt accessories

Abstract

Metallographic analyses were performed on several types of early medieval iron axes (hammers) and on a piece of a belt set, found in Hungary, using optical and SEM-EDS microscopes. The examinations were focusing on defining structural constituents, determining their distribution and grain size. Inclusions were also investigated. On the basis of the result traces and characteristics of different technological methods of forging could have been detected. The examined axes were supposedly forged from a piece of inhomogeneous iron without folding, kept at high temperature for a longer period and forged the edges multiple times, not intensely. The belt accessories were covered by an iron oxide layer, however, the complex investigation revealed that these belt ornaments are made of various metals. Sandwich-type iron-tin plates, thin iron wires as well as brass and bronze plates have been used in the product. We were able to reconstruct the steps of the production process.

Keywords

• iron
• axe
• belt accessories
• early medieval
• metallography
• manufacturing