X-RAY FLUORESCENT ANALYSIS OF FOUNDRY TOOLS FOUND IN THE EXTERNAL PART OF THE KUSHMANSKY ANCIENT SETTLEMENT UCHKAKAR OF THE 9-13 CENTURIES: PRELIMINARY RESEARCH RESULTS

Abstract

The article presents the results of the X-ray fluorescent analysis of non-ferrous metal residual traces from the surface of foundry tools found in the external part of the Kushmansky ancient settlement Uchkakar of the 9-13 centuries. The author has obtained and introduced into scientific discourse new data on composition of non-ferrous metals found in one of the medieval monuments in the basin of the Cheptsa River. It is established that foundry tools were used in production. The research also defines the character of the metal alloys applied by local masters. Interpretation of the obtained data is offered, primary comparative analysis with the available materials of synchronous monuments of adjacent territories is made. Further development of this problem with the use of methods of natural sciences will allow to capture a wide range of the problems including both directly technical and technological aspects of handicraft trade, and questions of cultural and historical contacts of the population of the basin of the Cheptsa River in the context of production traditions of Eastern Europe.