Abstract

The article presents the results of analysis of new data on the elemental composition of non-ferrous metal products on the territory of certain archaeological sites in Northern and Central Belarus. The author distinguishes two main stages in the non-ferrous metalworking of the region: the X–XIII centuries and XIV–XVIII centuries. It is noted that the period of the X–XIII centuries is characterized by a significant predominance of copper-zinc alloys with average and high concentrations of zinc in metal. Meanwhile, bronze alloys also play an important role, accounting for 35 % of the total number of the items studied. Samples made of copper-zinc and bronze alloys are also characterized by a significant amount of lead. As a result of the analysis of the data on the elemental composition of non-ferrous metal products of the XIV–XVIII centuries, it is concluded that non-ferrous metalworking of this period is characterized by the continuity of traditions with handicraft production of the previous period, which manifested itself in the widespread use of copper-zinc alloys, as well as of tin-lead and multicomponent bronzes. At the same time, a significant difference is the increase in the proportion of alloys with high concentrations of alloying components.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.