Examinations on small bronze items from the Hallstatt period burial ground at Mitterkirchen in Upper Austria
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: A partially destroyed burial ground from the Hallstatt period in the area of Mitterkirchen in Upper Austria was archaeologically investigated. The graves are dated to the Hallstatt C period corresponding to the 8 th /7 th century BC. Two triangular-headed nails and two lamellar “Buckel” (domed bronze plates) made of Sn-bronze were available for material investigations. One of each was subjected to metallographic examinations. The triangular-headed nail’s bronze contains about 15 wt. %Sn. The dendritic cast structure and the eutectoid phase Cu 41 Sn 11 are clearly visible. What is noticeable is that a Cu 41 Sn 11 layer formed in some areas of the surface. The lamellar Buckel’s microstructure is recrystallized and exhibits only a few deformation twins. Its bronze contains about 13 wt. %Sn. Hence, only very little Cu 41 Sn 11 is present. Elongated Cu 2 S precipitates indicate that the initial sheet was manufactured by fine forging.
Source: Practical Metallography
DOI: 10.1515/pm-2024-0062
Authors: R. Haubner, S. Strobl, J. Leskovar
Institution: TU Wien
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,489
OpenAlex ID: W4401738313