Examination of Metal Finds from the 10th Century Cemetery of Kiskunfélegyháza (Hungary)

Abstract

This case study presents the results and conclusions of chemical and metallographic analyses carried out on metal finds (gilded silver mounts, jewelry made of silver- and copper-based alloys, and iron horse fittings) found in nine graves excavated at the 10th century site of the Terjék-tanya at Kiskunfélegyháza (Hungary). The examinations were performed with portable handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (ED-XRF), optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscope (SEM-EDS). Beside the determination of the chemical composition of the non-ferrous artefacts and the inclusions of the iron samples, the aim of the study was to detect traces and characteristics of different manufacturing methods such as fire gilding, forging, etc.