Abstract
Scientific analyses of objects from Sösdala I are presented. Punch marks on 57 gilt silver mounts were examined under microscope, revealing a high quality of craftsmanship. In all, 27 different punched motifs have been described. By comparative studies, objects with punch marks made by the same tools have
been identified.
By interlinking the objects, three different sets of tools have been identified, plausibly representing three different craftsmen/workshops. One pendant is a loner of lower quality and probably a replacement. Trial marks are punched on the back of some objects and on others motifs are sketched.
Analyses of a sample of 12 silver mounts revealed that the alloy consisted of 85-95% silver. Some alloy variations support the grouping based on punch analysis. One object with niello inlays was mapped with SEM/EDS. The niello was shown to consist of pure silver sulphide according to Roman tradition, indicating the manufacturing date to before the end of the 5th century AD.
been identified.
By interlinking the objects, three different sets of tools have been identified, plausibly representing three different craftsmen/workshops. One pendant is a loner of lower quality and probably a replacement. Trial marks are punched on the back of some objects and on others motifs are sketched.
Analyses of a sample of 12 silver mounts revealed that the alloy consisted of 85-95% silver. Some alloy variations support the grouping based on punch analysis. One object with niello inlays was mapped with SEM/EDS. The niello was shown to consist of pure silver sulphide according to Roman tradition, indicating the manufacturing date to before the end of the 5th century AD.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Sösdala Horsemen - and the equestrian elite of fifth century Europe |
| Editors | Charlotte Fabech, Ulf Näsman |
| Publisher | Aarhus Universitetsforlag |
| Pages | 131-149 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-87-93423-15-2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Publication series
| Name | Jutland Archaeological Publications |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Jysk Arkæologisk Selskab |
| Volume | 99 |
| ISSN (Print) | 0107-2854 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Archaeology