Firman
Óscar García Vuelta (ponente)
Resumen
The so-called “Recouso treasure” is one of the most important finds of the renowned Iron Age goldwork from NW Iberia. This hoard, found by chance at the beginning of the 1920s, is composed of 16 decorated earrings, some of them with associated hanging elements (ornamented terminals, rings and “loop in loop” chains). It also comprises several fragments of these elements, as well as three ingots and a melting mass made of a Au-Ag-Cu alloy.On the basis of a topographical study, a multi-analytical approach has been undertaken in recent years, including handheld-XRF and micro-XRF analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), radiocarbon AMS dating of the identified charcoal remains, and the characterization of interior fillings using pyrolysis combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS).Our results allows for a deeper understanding of Late Iron Age gold manufacture and function. The earrings of the same morphology can be divided into two main groups depending on their lateral surface decoration technique (filigree or granules), which confirms technological variability as one of the main features of this craft tradition. The alloy recipes, the soldering techniques and other manufacturing processes are also addressed. Our paper also aims to discuss other issues such as the use of a non-metallic core material and the intense surface wear of the objects.Although the Recouso earrings are usually interpreted as ear adornments, we should not rule out that in cases such as this they may have been part of more complex adornments. The context of the find points to a goldwork deposit or an area of metallurgical activity, as can be inferred from the fact that some pieces (ingots, melting mass, touchstone…) can be linked to working processes, while others show traces of use and repair, suggesting they were destined for recasting.
Palabras clave
Archaeometallurgy. Archaeometry. Goldwork. Iron Age.