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Gemstone and glass inlaid fine metalwork from the Carpathian Basin: the Hunnic and Early Merovingian Periods

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Eszter Horváth at HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities Archaeological Institute
Eszter Horváth
  • HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities Archaeological Institute
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Abstract and Figures

Abstract of PhD thesis submitted in 2013 to the Archaeology Doctoral Programme, Doctoral School of History, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest under the supervision of Tivadar Vida.
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Available via license: CC BY-NC 4.0
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Gemstone and glass inlaid fine metalwork from the
Carpathian Basin: the Hunnic and Early Merovingian Periods

Department of Neutron Spectroscopy
Wigner Research Centre for Physics
Hungarian Academy of Sciences
horvath.eszter@wigner.mta.hu
        
 ! "#$!%&&!'!()
Research Objectives
 !  "!
# $" %&'(')$ $* +
,-.! ! 
  + ! !. ,$
#, #+/0!1
/0!2! 0!.3 $
! 4,- $5
$*6!1,  .7 $$
   , $1!89 
 .
/ 4,-, $8:1! $5#:.;6.1
5%<<4=>>)1))6.1! 5#:.;6.
#$1 !   $!
$   . 
 ! $ !$+
,. $  ,-  $+
,!!  $.1 *+
 !     1! $
,-,? $.
 !
@
$!  $,* $ !+
 9! 4,-.A$
3-11-! 
!1,$.3+
!3,$ $ ! +
$,!B* .3,$3+
$ ! 
"!, !$.%!
%&1 -, !, $*.
C$! 9 .,,
* ,-1,  D E-
DE-91,-
DE- ! D
A   ,! 9:
• E-! !$D
• ,,! -!D
• E-,-F !!D
E $$ ! ,
 !!!%&.%9 $1
,,."$! ,+
  !! +
.
Methodology
G !$3 ? +
$*.A! 3   $,+
! ,-1,-1 ,- 1! !1 $
$ ,   !$.
! $$
.,$++
  ?$!1 $. $
9,?!  ! .
H89 $   
F9.3$
 !   1$1..$
! , ."$! +
 $I.. 8*  
.=A !$1 -, !1?
 5 !$! !$1!$!$1 !$
 !$6,  J5!B!! 6
,--.
K = LM==.
LN)
/!  * ,-%&O
7?3 $I*  +
,:111
 !9.L   $,
 .3,$13 $  +
 !  *  .! 
 @ !1 !+
  $   .C* $,  $$$ +
 .
C $! 4,-5.;J/<PQRP.LM=M1*!.L6.
"$ *    $ ! !!1..
!$$  -.SJ  !
*$ ! !,!
!  $19 $.3  $+
* ,- %& -, 
 $  ! ,1 *$?
!.7 $13$+
$, .31  3
 !1   ! !1,  
       ! !  1 ! -! 
,-F."  !$  
, 1, !1!+
9.
K L  ,$S $+G;-!!
,  !,/A C$ 5<T<UVGRWXRLMM(6.
LNN
@
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$ [.A !$ 5 6,  ! 
 $! ! 1\ 8 
?! !.%!,!
 3-,8!
!.A*3!!  !$
.] -3 $ 
!!.39!
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J.31 
  $!^$  !.
Y!! $* ,-3 $!+
 -!,8I,  $
,- !.3!   $ B, +
!-! $, 8 +
    J8    
J.3 ,  3   
9!, .%! 
 ! 3F$,-+
  ,-^, ,$.3?3
 B! !J1..
?11 $._
39,-F3,-,+
$   1 !J
,- ,-1 $.Y ! ,-
3$.S1
*!! ^ $ 
.
"$ ,-F,*  +
  ,- $1$.A1
 ?$+ !93-
 , 1,!,!.31B+
*3B ! 
 .
3  !$,  +
! ! ! .7+
1 13 , +
! 5-,+,6 $!   .7 $13
B !   , 1,!! $ 
    !.A3
18 1..  1 -, !     
  $+ -,1!!
.
K \ .!.0T`<UX=>\\IaRUXRbR=>>>IA`RWLMMM.
K _ %<T=>>=1=='=c.
LNc
/!  * ,-%&O
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% $! $3*, $
.3?3  $ ,+
  :1$.A! 3
B!!   +
$1 $1-!-! !
 1 !   .A  
 * $.
C * $I7]:I7S:I": I
G: !$IS:5.;6.
&$ 3 $ $-,+
!  .  !+
  * .71,3
"#$#%&'.3  B
!#%()$#%&.A, +-,$!3+
 !     ""#$ 5- #$
96, *"#%()$5-#%()$96.3*
,  $ *! * !
! -!,-
F.
LN>
@
'%#$5+6"#$5+69JLM=L1
7!.L:1""#$I1""#$I1#$+*I1""#%()$I1*"#%(,
)$I1#%()$+*
 % !  *  ! !5.;6.
LcM
/!  * ,-%&O
A      $3  *    !
!:
• ++ ! 
• ++  ,""#$9
• ++ + ,""#,
$9
•   $
• ++ +,#%()$9
&  !  ,-+3
* !.3 ! +
!   $ $*  
 ! !.3  !  *!
 !.3+
 B- Y!d $-.& !$
31  $,-.
-- Y!d $! !$5#:.;6.
Goldsmithing traditions
Goldsmithing tradition with Hellenistic roots – hammered-and-soldered artefacts
#!!  /
"!#.A!?!  !
-  #1\'L$&%.A
,!#
!$, $3 &+
.%9 $13 ? $$ 
 3$ 1,1!
%  !1 %
&.
A^ !!  
@.A!Y3!  
%%1,  !* $
! $! "!, ..
Lc=
@
1! ,! $
    .A9 $
9  !*8 +
  &  !
Y  $&$@#.
 !5.;6.
A3 1 ! !%&$
^!& -C"C.&$+
1 - !
.%! $ 1 $.
B!B! !$
  ? ,-+.3 
  ($AH.!3 !*8
 ! 9 $1 ,.7! ,
9 $ $3?  8,-
.#   ++ ! 
#%&! $ 
.
3  ($#$+
 $H,%&.Y +
!  !0 @;5% 6   
G$ .(7 ,/0!
K ( RP.LM=\1LN('LNN.
LcL
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!A!++  + 
 $,/ G1..,H.
"$??   ! !
    $#+"^  
!  J.#$, $+
 ! .!)
$%&, !!$($ +
 .N
.C !(+)AH5.;6.
3,!*3 ()$^!
#$ "^."$ !$
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%& $!"!1 $
././ ,-,#$9 +
 $+  9$ 
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  $ - $ $! +
- Y#%%&.
Goldsmithing tradition with Late Roman roots – cast-and-carved artefacts
3,3(')+
$++ $* $8.e $ +
!!91  $,+
 - .3!!!!3!!
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.
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,50< =>>=1 ==('=LM6. !  +" +
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!!5`'#R=>NLI0RRTX<RP.LMML6.
K N LM=L1L=)'L\\.
Lc\
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0% ! !  9 $
++5.;6.
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 ,!   1/#%234'+
 2Y !2.A!  +
3 !*! !  9 +
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1/#%234! !
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,2Y,-.%9 $1
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$ $ !.31 B$! 
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.e ,! $ (')$+++
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!.
Y!  ! , /; $!
? $ 5#:.;6.
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 $ ! 9 $.3$1 
- ,*B! ($5
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2Y !.C ! ! 
* $ .S1!9 $+
$)$/# G$ 1
/0!.3!  ,-!
6.3? , - ,-,
,-^,."$?+
 2!#,!  $,-+
^,.,1 ! $!9 $
? /.
K > 7+ !!+-/  .L,
6"/7(5CUgTLMM(1Lc'\M6.
K =M 2Re<U=>c\IS``hRP.=>c\IEP=>>)Ie'2Re<ULMM>.
Lc(
@
/ !,? C@+0d-i$@!:
1!c=I1!L>I1!N5#:.;6.
%, 1jd1!\\I1jd!\L.
5#:.;6.
% $++:1-,I10@ $+7i-+
@11!=N5#..;6.
Lc)
/!  * ,-%&O
7 $13  $ , (') $
.! $$ 9
 $,!!!  ! 1
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($! 1 +
^$!  .A3
 + ,-)$++ ,-G
G$ .3, !*"#%()$9, 1 
C+k+2!#.==3+
 -, #)'N$I1
3 $C/$ .1,+
2Y !  +
 .
Organisational background of the production
Raw material supply
, 8 ! !
.3 15+ 6  $+
!  -!.%!  $ 1 $  $
 ,   
 F   $. 71 
 $!* $ !! 
56.
'01!(L,  $,8  +
.5lY7 -!1,!m.#:.;6.
K == LM=L1L=)1LL('L\L.
LcN
@
&89 $+ 3 !! 1 
 $.%! ! 3+
$!^$$  $!.3 $,?+
   $?: 3+
,8.A!$19 $
+   $* +
1,   -! 1 
.3$ 8,+ 
1,,, $
,-'.3! !?? , ,+
 ,- $ ! +
 .
 / - %&$$ ! 8.
# :A>>m1A!M.Nm1%M.LmIG!:Ac(m1A!=_m1%=.=mI2:A>=m1A!c.=m1%=.Lm
5%R``UXRP.LM=M1 =I#:nG&"6.
Y!!+ 3! !$
! !*./$>\m
! >>m -.C+ $! J+
 , !, $!! .3
,-!9 $     !
9$#%&. $'9!Y ,
/(' $, $,! " $! +
.=L$  $*,.
K =L 3!"!#! , $1,*$ 
/&C! !  ! 1 
50T=>NLIAT<o=>NNIRpX=>c_IS``h'"h=>c)6.
Lcc
/!  * ,-%&O
A $ , 9 $.33
- $.#9 $>('>Nm 
,*Y .=\3,B
 $* $!9 $ ! +
,-&."$ 
Y,-  $ 
   $.Y!!(+)$13 ,
,,    +
$ !.3    '! $*$ !'! +
 $1..! $ $.
-AqA! !!$!! 1lY7C"1
,!m5.;6.
&$* $  $ 
8 $1@1+ $.$ 
8"- ,, .3- +
 $?, 
! $?Y#.3, .
 $, ,!Y1! $ 
$.=_3,B! !+
!,-$^.
K =\ 7,1(9(51(961,&"5%R``UXRP.LM=M1+
 L1!..=>cN1M\MKc6.
K =_ & $  rY $,
Y#1!5Y<`LMML6.
Lc>
@
3 -, !,  !! $+
* ,-.#$!,$ $
  ! ! +!! , .H
 $%&!,$, +
 , "!# $
" A!!, $.? !!+
,8$ , ,$
 11!   . 3,  3 
  $? ! +
 $ $+  $.S   
!  3  !,!
 $ !? C31, C2-
,$ .Y!! +
!,3e3 
.2 1 $3+
I!1 3
  %&  .
Y !  $5C"+HC6!  !
/;  561  s;;    &@$  56.  AJ  LMMcI  LM=MI  ' &T`t LM==I
RP.LM=\. * %RPP<QRRP.LMMc1*
$/<PQRP.LM=M5a.&u6.
L>M
/!  * ,-%&O
A $           $+   $   
%&,$8,.
!,,-.3
 * -,!  +
  ! *.=(/! - $3+
 C 2-   !  !  '!  
%&'!  !.
A $1,1 ! 
!$%&* $$ !$+
 $!* ,.=)r
,,E1$  $
 ! $   ($%&.31+
!!,e3)$
 $G!.1 B  J
HC3C2-!1,$+
9 $,$.A83+
    ,  !  $
, $.=N
    1..+ (')$
 $* ,-, $$! ! .G
!Y, +, 
   !   .$
   $  $.
Y!!$  9 $!13  $ !
!.3!
 $! $.C9+ $-,
1.. $* 1$, ,!!+
*.%!  $ 3  $
!1 !'B %&'!
! !  7-A 0!.,+
1,! ! 3
H , $!- E.
Workshop organisation
79! ,,$J4$
 .&8-, 3
J !+! +,-! $.A
3 ,J!,-.
"$, - 
$!+B! .A? 3! $ !
K =(   ! ,Y3 $
$CvXPhLMMc.==-%G!$1$, +
,-1  !1 $Y=>cM1\=c'\LM.
K =) Y $ !  *! $" :wR'
CUxPLMMM1cN'>MI%RPP<QRRP.LMMc1=LcI/<PQRP.LM=M1>_'>).
K =N '&T`tLM==1\M.
L>=
@
-,-!+B1!!* 
!  !..=cY  
,J3 ,$*?-,
! 4!+B4.%J?-, !
,-^,8!.
.3! !- /;, I$!!
-!5#:.;6.
3 , J
!!,  +
  * .3    ! 3  
  $$ !$!+B! 3- 
, ,-,$.A3+
 $91,, -  @@ 
-.%,J , ?1+
-3* 4.
3!3  $? 
./+B !$! $,+
-,!!! .3*
 ,J8I,5=6+
 $1 $,$ 015L6 $+*
* - $$! 15\6 $ $.3
 $3! 
 B!!.
3,! J1.. 1
!  -.E - 
!1$$89 $,-.A 
 ! 3  9 $
,-,,! 
$? .
K =c LMM)1(L1*!._.)'cIRP.LM=\1L)N1LN\1*!.(1)1)9.
L>L
/!  * ,-%&O
0C $1 $,$- " ;@q" ;56I!
&-@56IC@ ;!$ $yqz C 565#:.;6.
/ $+** - $$! Ij; 1
!=>5#:.;6.
C $ $ ,9 $- -,%&
5#:.;6.
L>\
@
3,  1  
,$!1 ,-.C  $1+
 $!,!++$  
  . 9 $!,-
 J9 $ -, !- .
C C@ ;!$ $y5z C 6, 8,-+
 ,-^,5#:.;6.
3 C@ ;!$ $y5z C +
6 $?.3 3
 8  ,- ,-^,.
!,    $   1
   ,9 $,-.7 $,
!9 $,-1.!.
.=> ,1,- 
B! $ 5 - $
,6! .A!$+
1, !, 
!!. B! 1,*1 -
 $1!!!! +
1 $. $ ,-.
Workshop affinities
A9$ , 
8 $ +
*!  ,-.3+
$,-F,  !1
, $ .3! !!
:5=6**15L6* +-15\6+
+ - 15_6 ,-59 $9-6
K => CRX=>>>1=_N.
L>_
/!  * ,-%&O
8,-^,.313,B$ +
 , .
3++ ! 1*9 +
,  !! .7+
3  * +-9 $8'!+
!1-! 1-1* !,-
' .A!+ - 3! !
-!! $  .7 $,
13 ?*9 $!
!  $.
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Y!d $1Z&-@[5H+&d@61/;Z&!i-[5&+
!61C@ ;!$ $y5z C 6 e!$@i-+
y&;@i-.3  ,- 2ii$1A s!!+ +
1   &!@;@ 5&!6 -, 1  , $
C@ ;!$ $y .3$!  !
 !,-.7 $
&-@+$ *!!1Z&!i-[
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C+ i9C@1!L>
5#:.;6.
Y!! ++    , "" #$
913 $   ,-+
F:(,""""#$ 9.3!+
!! ,,-+
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 $, -!.E!
-,3?  $+
++  , $, .e
* +-$ .
:$,-'(')$*,)
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,   9  + 3 
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 $1   !$    13!!
8!  ! .3
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9 $.313 $*-+
 J $$ ! !   ! +
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 ,- ,-! .S
1*-!8! 
 $ .E? $ +
 ,!*!.
K LL RP.LMM>1LL'L_.
K L\ RP.LMM>1L_'LcILM=L1=\'=).
K L_ C).
L>N
@
A1++ 
 $-,-F$.H8
 ,-, $* .
3 $3, $,-1+
!,  ? $ 1L(
, B-! $.
% $ , !   
 !? !8 !. A!
3,-F /;
ay+H @ , jd0@ $ .A+
$- 0 e!$;5S6+
,-'? $' 
!!9.
C  $!1 !$%&,
     . &$  $!  ?  !  
 $ ,,
.Y! ,-F!+
  ! ,.?!!
 *1 - 1,! 
 - /#, ,+C+
2!#, .3$ $  +
, , +
  1! $ $  ! 
!/# G.
References
A`RW1e.LMMM:H  $/3 S.3:&P<T1%.5!.611,
<46#%=;3>44""-,?%%"jA !!
=M.&1=\'(\.
AT<o1  &.  =>NN:  "  $    / -.  j  {    
7!-.@%(2#%"==1N_'c_.
&gW1.E.=>N_:a&!!G 0.3: 0RUX1/.'
]P|1/.5!.61"4),"5@%#%#%#%#%A#%B5@?#%(
7"{1L>('\Mc.
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... Alternatively, objects with a higher silver content than solidi were re-melted and reused, or primary gold-silver ores (e.g., IANSA 2023 • XIV/2 • 167-181 Viktória Mozgai, László Schilling, Máté Szabó, Bernadett Bajnóczi: Archaeometric Investigation of a Hunnic-Period Sacrificial Assemblage from Nyergesújfalu, Hungary 174 electrum) were used to manufacture the objects. The gold content of the analysed objects is lower than the gold content of previously studied Hunnic-period gold objects from the Carpathian Basin, which are generally characterised with a gold content higher than 90 wt%, sometimes higher than 97 wt% (Horváth, 2013;Szenthe et al., 2019;Horváth et al., 2019;2022). ...
... Mercury was detected in the gilded areas by hXRF and SEM-EDX measurements as well, indicating the use of fire gilding (Figure 6). Previous studies on the objects from the 5 th century AD have also proved the use of fire (or mercury) gilding (Craddock et al., 2010;Horváth, 2013;Szenthe et al., 2019;Mozgai et al., 2021a). Fire gilding was most probably invented in China in the 4 th century BC, and it then became the standard method of gilding in the 3 rd century AD and continued in use throughout the Migration Period and medieval Europe until the invention of electroplating in the mid-19 th century (Lechtman, 1971;Lins and Oddy, 1975;Oddy, 1981;1988;2000). ...
... Metalwork objects with red gemstones, identified mostly as garnets, were widespread during the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Medieval times (Arrhenius, 1985;Adams, 2011). Gold objects decorated with gemstones, most often with red garnets, are typical elements of Hunnic-period ritual deposits (Horváth, 2013;Szenthe et al., 2019). Among the analysed objects, the gold buckle was decorated with four garnet inlays, while the suspension rings and the oval mounts were decorated with two garnets each, respectively (Figure 2). ...
Archaeometric Investigation of a Hunnic-Period Sacrificial Assemblage from Nyergesújfalu, Hungary
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2023
Near Nyergesújfalu (Komárom-Esztergom County, Hungary), objects of a Hunnic-period sacrificial assemblage were found in 2021. The Hunnic period assemblage contains fifteen items altogether: four gold lunular mounts, six cellwork-decorated gold oval mounts, two cellwork-decorated gold suspension rings, two gold buckles and fragments of a scale-patterned gilded silver plate. The present study aims to determine the elemental composition of the metal alloy of the Hunnic-period objects and characterise the decoration techniques (gilding and garnet inlays) by using optical microscopy, handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (hXRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energydispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). The gold objects, including their small parts such as the rivets of buckles and lunular mounts, sockets and filigree, were manufactured from a relatively goodquality gold alloy (>80 wt% Au). The fragments of the scale-patterned silver plate were manufactured from a high-quality silver alloy (>94 wt% Ag), similar to late Roman silver alloys characterised by high Ag content, and was decorated with fire (mercury) gilding. The garnets used for inlays are almandine and intermediate pyrope-almandine garnets. Based on their chemistry, the garnets belong to Group X and probably originate from the placer deposits of Sri Lanka.
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... These approximately fifty years represent a transition period in the history of fine metalwork in the Carpathian Basin, between the Hunnic Period (early-to-mid 5 th century AD) rich in unique luxury objects and the Langobardic/Gepidic Period (first two thirds of the 6 th century AD) in which mass products were more typical. In the Hunnic Period, hammered and soldered gold objects are abundant, whereas the Langobardic/Gepidic Period can be characterised by cast, gilded silver objects (Horváth, 2013). Continuity or changes of the goldsmithing traditions and their organisational background are expected to be manifested on these objects. ...
... Mercury was detected in the gilding of the buckles indicating the use of fire gilding. Previous studies on objects from the 5 th century AD have also proved the use of fire gilding (Craddock et al., 2010;Horváth, 2013). The buckle from Gáva was also decorated with this type of gilding . ...
... Metalwork objects with red gemstones, identified mostly as garnets, were widespread during the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Medieval times (Arrhenius, 1985;Adams, 2011). In the archaeological material of the Carpathian Basin, garnet inlay decoration was a characteristic feature over around three centuries, from the Hunnic Period through the age of the Gepidic and Langobardic Kingdoms until the Avar Period (Horváth, 2013). Provenance studies of the tiny garnet inlays have come into focus since the end of the last century. ...
Possibilities and Limitations of Non-Invasive Analytical Methods in the Examination of Garnet- and Niello-Inlaid Precious Metal Objects – Case Study of Three Polychrome Animal-Style Silver Buckles from the 5th-Century Carpathian Basin
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2021
The use of non-destructive and non-invasive analytical methods is widespread in the archaeometric study of metal objects, particularly in the case of precious metal artefacts, from which sampling is not, or in a limited way, allowed due to their high value. In this study, we highlight the main advantages and limitations of non-destructive analytical methods used on three polychrome animal-style silver buckles from the mid-to-late-5th-century Carpathian Basin. Optical microscopic observations, handheld XRF, SEM-EDX and μ-XRD analyses were performed to determine the chemical composition of the metals and their decoration (gilding, garnet and niello inlays), as well as the microtexture and mineralogical composition of the niello, in order to gain a better understanding of the materials used and reconstruct the manufacturing techniques in detail. The buckles were manufactured from relatively high-quality silver derived from the re-use of gilded silver scrap metal and intentionally alloyed with brass or leaded brass. The presence of mercury indicated the use of fire gilding. The niello inlays are composed of mixed silver-copper sulphides, even reaching the composition of pure copper sulphide; this is for the first time, when copper sulphide niello is observed on a silver object. The almandine garnets most probably originate from Southern India and Sri Lanka.
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... The polychrome decoration of fine metalwork objects, especially the use of red garnet inlays, was widespread during the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Medieval periods, representing an intercultural and supraregional fashion in Europe (Arrhenius, 1985;Adams, 2000Adams, , 2011Hamerow, 2017;Hilgner, 2018). In the archaeological material from the Carpathian Basin, this polychromy was characteristic for around three centuries, from the Hunnic period through the age of the Gepidic and Langobardic kingdoms, up until the Avar period (Horváth, 2012a(Horváth, , 2013Heinrich-Tamáska, 2006Horváth et al. forthcoming). During the first bloom of polychromy from the late 4th to the mid-5th centuries AD, gemstones, usually garnet inlays decorated primarily unique, prestigious items of the aristocracy, whereas the 6th-century AD material is mainly represented by mass products with a relatively homogeneous design due to the gradual simplification and standardisation of manufacturing and decorating techniques. ...
Production perspectives of a high-status polychrome jewellery set from the Hunnic period (mid-5th century AD) Carpathian Basin
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2024
  • J ARCHAEOL SCI
Fifty years after the discovery of the Regöly grave, the emblematic Hunnic period archaeological assemblage from Hungary, an extensive scientific investigation was performed on the polychrome dress accessories of the high-status woman, often referred to as the "Princess of Regöly", buried there. The multi-instrumental analyses aimed to characterise material and technological aspects of the gemstone-inlaid artefacts (a set of a pair of bowbrooches and a belt buckle), i.e., the manufacturing and decorative techniques as well as the chemical and mineralogical compositions. The non-destructive and non-invasive gemmological and geochemical analyses applied optical microscopes, handheld XRF, SEM-EDX and Raman microspectrometer. This study provides the first comprehensive examination of the Hunnic period polychrome jewellery, and highlights the potential of combining surface and subsurface analyses to specify garnet provenances. It presents the first evidence of use of antique and early medieval garnet sources during the early Migration period. The findings enhance understanding of the garnet supply chain and trade network, the production organisation and potential workshop connections. Significant differences of the brooches and the buckle reveal varying levels of luxury among the elite, providing insight into the social context of the polychrome jewellery associated with the "Princess of Regöly".
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... Předmětů zdobených touto technikou je v Čechách zatím stále poměrně málo (naposledy je shrnují Daněček -Korený -Perlík 2017, 520). Výplně přihrádek mohly být tvořeny buď skleněnými vložkami, nebo řezanými kameny, nejčastěji granáty (pyropy); (Mrázek 1996, 130-132;Horváth 2013). Předmět z Plaňan byl bohužel v minulosti natolik poškozen, že se v něm nedochovala jediná vložka, a dokonce i jeho původní tvar je jen obtížně čitelný. ...
Sídliště z doby římské v Plaňanech (okr. Kolín) v poloze U silnice – A Roman Period settlement at Plaňany (Kolín district), location of U silnice
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2021
The article deals with the evaluation of Roman Period archaeological situations and finds investigated during a rescue excavation in 2016. The excavation was initiated due to the construction of underground utilities and roads leading to new family houses on the eastern edge of the village. A total of 82 features were investigated, out of which 14 were dated to the Roman Period and 6 to the Early Middle Ages, on the basis f recovered finds. Thanks to analysis of the finds, it was possible to outline and define the chronological development of the settlement in question. Its beginnings date back to the 2nd century AD (phase B2 of the Roman period) and it existed until the 3rd century (phase C1). The contents of one feature (no. 49) then correspond to the final Roman period (phase C3). It is quite interesting that the excavated section of the settlement almost exclusively contained features interpretable as storage or exploitation pits but no features that are traditionally considered as residential (sunken floor huts). It is probable that the excavated part of the settlement was used for specific purposes, such as exploitation and storage, and subsequently as a rubbish dump. Thanks to soil samples which were subsequently floated, a large quantity of material for archaeobotanical analysis was recovered (2611 plant macroremains). Thus almost a complete range of Roman period cereals was documented, which consists especially of archaic species characteristic of earlier agricultural prehistory (einkorn wheat, emmer wheat, spelt, barley) and one crop species spreading only at the close of prehistory (oat). It is a mixture characteristic of the Roman period, during which the range of cereals in Central Europe underwent a gradual transformation. The spectrum of tree species, ascertained on the basis of analyzed charcoal samples, conforms to the potential reconstructed vegetation. The study also includes analysis of imported Roman provincial pottery which is relatively abundant on the site, considering the general situation in Bohemia (16 fragments of at least 5 vessels).
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... There are only indirect evidence derived from the analysis of the finished products. Based on the previous studies (Horváth 2012;2013), some the objects were made in the Barbaricum and some in the Roman Empire, either in a local or central workshop -actually, there are examples for any combinations of these categories. The manufacturing process involved at least two craftsmen -specialised in the gem-processing and the metal-working. ...
Pure gold with poor workmanship - Some unusual pieces of polychrome metalwork from the 5th-century Carpathian Basin
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2019
Jewellery, dress accessories and other personal ornaments made of precious metal and decorated with gemstones were representative elements (prestige objects) of Migration-period supra-regional fashion in Europe. Due to their valuable materials and impressive appearance, these polychrome artefacts are highlighted items in art albums and exhibition catalogues as the key objects of the period. Their vast majority represents high standard of workmanship even from a modern perspective. A small minority comprises, however, objects of lower or even poor quality, falling below the standard. This paper focuses on these exceptions. Dozen finds showing low-quality workmanship are collected, analysed and interpreted below, with special attention to their technical features, material compositions as well as their functions as status indicator. Our results indicated that the poorly-made objects were produced in workshops of local significance following and imitating high-standard models. The observed technological features pointed out that their makers were inexperienced in techniques requiring meticulous work and precision. The analytical data revealed, however, that they were dominantly made of high purity gold with a composition of partly or wholly identical to that of the technically outstanding items. Apparently, the high social status was not so demanding on the workmanship, rather the quality of the processed gold.
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Lombardic ornaments from San Mauro cemetery at Cividale, Italy: Analyses and technology
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
A group of very significant Lombardic ornaments from the cemetery of San Mauro at Cividale del Friuli (Udine) in Italy has been examined and analysed with X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The objects are now part of the collections of the National Museum of Cividale del Friuli. Among the objects there are several so-called stirrup or radiate-head bow fibulae, one of which also shows an interesting cloisonné decoration, an S-shaped fibula with cloisonné, a unique gilded and nielloed equal-armed fibula with two opposite faces or masks, belt buckles and belt plates, a necklace with gold pendants with filigree and granulation, a vessel of probable Byzantine origin and a golden cross. The composition and the production technology of the single pieces are discussed in detail in the paper with relevant comparisons.
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Aranyleletek archeometriai kutatásának lehetőségei [Possible methods for the archaeometric research of gold artefacts]
Chapter
Full-text available
  • Dec 2017
Az arany egyike az emberiség által először használt fémeknek. Ennek legfőbb oka, hogy terméselem formájában előfordul a természetben. Az arany fényes, sárga színű, nagy fényvisszaverő-képességű, könnyen alakítható, nyújtható, puha fém. Számos ércteleptípusban előfordul, leggyakrabban torlatos telepekben, termésarany formájában. Kevés ásványa ismert, de gyakran alkot ötvözeteket ezüsttel és egyéb fémekkel. Az idők során számos eljárást alkalmaztak az arany kinyerésére (kupelláció, amalgamáció, cementáció, stb.). A felhasznált arany származási helyének és a kinyerésére alkalmazott eljárásoknak a meghatározására ismernünk kell az adott tárgy kémiai és ólomizotóp-összetételének. Ehhez számos roncsolásmentes és roncsolásos analitikai módszer áll rendelkezésre (AES, ED-XRF, SEM-EDS, PIXE, PIGE, RBS, SR-XRF, FNAA, PAA, ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, stb.). A torlataranyból készült tárgyak sok esetben tartalmaznak platinafém-zárványokat, melyek kémiai és ozmiumizotóp-összetételének meghatározása szintén segítséget nyújthat a proveniencia vizsgálatokban.
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Mhetallanalyshen von Goldbraktheathen. Vorbhericht übher hein laufhendhes Forschungsprojhekt
  • Jan 1977
  • 74-84
  • B Arrhenius
Arrhenius, B. 1977: Mhetallanalyshen von Goldbraktheathen. Vorbhericht übher hein laufhendhes Forschungsprojhekt. Frühmitelalterliche Studien 11, 74-84.
Hadak Útján" -A népvándorlás kor fatal kutatóinak XIX. Konferenciája
  • Jan 2011
  • 125-139
  • E Horváth
Horváth, E. 2011: Ékkőbherakásos ötvösművészhet a pannoniai langobard korszakban. Régészheti kérdéshek, archheomhetriai módszherhek. In: Bíró, Sz. -Tomka, P. (heds.), "Hadak Útján" -A népvándorlás kor fatal kutatóinak XIX. Konferenciája. Győr-Moson-Sopron Mhegyhei Múzheumok Igazgatósága Tanulmányok 3. Győr, 125-139.
Das Endhe dher Römherhherrschaf in Britannihen und dihe anghelsächsischhe Bhesihedlungs Englands im 5
  • Jan 1986
  • 469-574
  • H W Böhme
Böhme, H.W. 1986: Das Endhe dher Römherhherrschaf in Britannihen und dihe anghelsächsischhe Bhesihedlungs Englands im 5. Jahrhundhert. Jahrbuch des Römisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseums 33, 469-574.
The analysis of thhe gold fnds from Hhelgö and thheir rhelationships to othher Early Mhediheval gold
  • Jan 1986
  • 153-178
  • W A Oddy
  • V E G Meyer
Oddy, W. A. -Meyer, V. E. G. 1986: The analysis of thhe gold fnds from Hhelgö and thheir rhelationships to othher Early Mhediheval gold. In: Lundström, A. -Clarke, H. (heds.), Excavations at Helgö X. Coins, Iron and Gold. Stockholm, 153-178.
Nihello: a historical and thechnical survhey
  • Jan 1983
  • 279-297
  • La Niece
La Niece, S. 1983: Nihello: a historical and thechnical survhey. Antiquaries Journal 63/2, 279-297.
Almandinhandhel und -vherarbheitung im Bherheich dhes Mithelmheherhes
  • Jan 1980
  • H Roth
Roth, H. 1980: Almandinhandhel und -vherarbheitung im Bherheich dhes Mithelmheherhes. Zum archäologischhe Bhefund und dher schriflichhen Übherlihefherung in dher Spätantikhe und in frühhen Mithelalther.