Abstract
This article presents the results of interdisciplinary studies of gold artifacts from the elite Xiongnu burials at Noin-Ula (Noyon Uul, Mongolia, early 1st millennium AD), excavated by the Russian-Mongolian expedition in 2006–2012. Using scanning electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, 17 artifacts were analyzed. These include ornaments from coffi ns and clothes, made by Chinese artisans. Results suggest that they were all made of native gold, similar to that from the known deposits of Mongolia in terms of elemental composition (for comparison, we used an electronic database relating to 3338 samples of Mongolian native gold). Results of statistical tests suggest that placer deposits were the most probable source of the gold. The results do not contradict the idea that Chinese artisans used Mongolian gold. During the Han era, the Xiongnu could have been among their principal providers. The relationships between the two empires and peoples were always benefi cial for the Xiongnu. Enjoying the numerous achievements of the Han civilization, they offered too little in return. One of the ways the Han dynasty could have benefi ted from their tumultuous neighbors was to receive native gold from them.
Highlights
В статье приводятся результаты междисциплинарных исследований золотых предметов из погребений знатных хунну начала I тыс. н.э. могильника Ноин-Ула, обнаруженных в ходе раскопок российско-монгольской экспедицией в 2006–2012 гг
This article presents the results of interdisciplinary studies of gold artifacts from the elite Xiongnu burials at Noin-Ula (Noyon Uul, Mongolia, early 1st millennium AD), excavated by the Russian-Mongolian expedition in 2006–2012
Atomic absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, 17 artifacts were analyzed. These include ornaments from coffins and clothes, made by Chinese artisans. Results suggest that they were all made of native gold, similar to that from the known deposits of Mongolia in terms of elemental composition
Summary
В статье приводятся результаты междисциплинарных исследований золотых предметов из погребений знатных хунну начала I тыс. н.э. могильника Ноин-Ула, обнаруженных в ходе раскопок российско-монгольской экспедицией в 2006–2012 гг. E-mail: polosmaknatalia@gmail.com; kundoludmila@ngs.ru 2Институт химии твердого тела и механохимии СО РАН Кутателадзе, 18, Новосибирск, 630128, Россия E-mail: shatskaya@solid.nsc.ru; lana46@ngs.ru Академика Коптюга, 3, Новосибирск, 630090, Россия E-mail: zador@igm.nsc.ru
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have