Early medieval “gombíky” from Mikulčice: archaeological context, function, occurrence, typology, construction, and characterization of materials and manufacturing processes

0550119 - ARÚB 2022 RIV FR eng C - Conference Paper (international conference)
Krupičková, Šárka - Ottenwelter, Estelle - Poláček, Lumír - Robbiola, L.
Early medieval “gombíky” from Mikulčice: archaeological context, function, occurrence, typology, construction, and characterization of materials and manufacturing processes.
Proceedings of the 5th international conference „Archaeometallurgy in Europe”. 19-21 June 2019 Miskolc, Hungary. Drémil-Lafage: Éditions Mergoil, 2021 - (Török, B.; Giumlia-Mair, A.), s. 477-496. Monographies Instrumentum, 73. ISBN 978-2-35518-121-4. ISSN 1278-3846.
[Archaeometallurgy in Europe /5./. Miskolc (HU), 19.06.2019-21.06.2019]
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA17-01878S
Institutional support: RVO:68081758 ; RVO:67985912
Keywords : Great Moravia * hollow spherical buttons * jewellery * SEM/EDS
OECD category: Archaeology; Archaeology (ARU-G)

This paper deals with the archaeological context, function, typology and technological study of a type of spherical hollow pendants termed gombiky (sg. gombik), which were worn by members of the Moravian elite in the 9th century AD. The considered gombíky were recovered in elite graves from Mikulčice-one of the main major central places of Great Moravia. The archaeological context, occurrence in graves and function of these enigmatic objects are discussed. Their typology and construction based on their decorative technique are presented. In order to determine the metal composition, construction, and manufacturing processes of these types of ornaments, several specimens were investigated by stereomicroscopy (Olympus SZ60), X-ray radiography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), supplemented by electron microanalysis (EDS). Replicas of each main type of gombik were manufactured by a professional goldsmith to understand the different stages of manufacture and soldering techniques. The results have evidenced the use of high purity gold alloys, silver alloys, gilded copper, different types of soldering techniques (diffusion bonding, hard solder), fire-gilding, specific tool marks and masterful chasing, filigree and granulation. The research provided a better understanding of the construction, manufacturing and soldering techniques and the stages of fabrication of this type of jewellery.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0327954