Amulets From Viking-age Baltic Coast: a Unique Hoard From Piaski-dramino (Poland) in the Light of Provenance and Technological Research of Goldsmithing Art

Abstract

This technological and provenance analysis of metal artifacts from a unique Viking-age hoard found in Piaski-Dramino (NW Poland) reveals an expansive trade network. Particular attention was paid to kaptorg type amulets made in post-moravian style. X-ray spectroscopy (XRF, EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for elemental composition and structural study as fingerprints of used goldsmith techniques. Pb and Ag isotope analysis combined with trace element compositions show that high-quality silver bullion was obtained mainly from the resmelting of Asian dirhams along with a significant share of silver and lead from the Upper Silesia and Kraków regions. Research results are confirmed by incomplete historical sources that the Kraków land and Upper Silesia from the 9th to the end of the 10th c. were under Czech rule. This can be associated with the Czech elite's desire to access the silver and lead sources.

Keywords: Silver ornaments, post-moravian goldsmiths, early medieval hoards, lead isotope analysis, provenance analysis, silver fractionation coefficient