Abstract
The paper discusses a pair of metal buttons with filigree decor from the early 14th century from the necropolis of the Eski-Kermen settlement in Crimea. The X-ray fl uorescence analysis of the metal of all structural parts of the buttons shows that they were made of a high-grade silver alloy, the alloying components of which are typical of precious items from this necropolis. Solder areas were identified; it is assumed that silver-copper zinc-containing solder with an admixture of lead was used for soldering. Based on the results of optical microscopy, the design and technological cycle of button production are described, as well as traces of use of the buttons after breakage.
Keywords
Crimea, Eski-Kermen, necropolis, Middle Ages, buttons, XRF, manufacturing technology, metal composition.
Anastasiya Yu. Loboda
National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
Institute of Archaeology of Crimea, Russian Academy of Sciences, Simferopol, Russia
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