Małgorzata Perek-Nowak

W artykule zaprezentowano dwie luźno znalezione bransolety metalowe, obie łączone z fazą wytwórczości starszego okresu epoki brązu. Artefakt z Torunia, mimo, że znajduje analogie w wytwórczości kultury mogiłowej, to jednak został znaleziony w przestrzeni środowiska osadniczego kultury trzcinieckiej, w którym tego rodzaju ozdoby południowo-zachodniej proweniencji notowane są sporadycznie. Z kolei wyrób z Brudzynia, znaleziony w strefie zazębiającego się osadnictwa kultur mogiłowej i trzcinieckiej, to okaz mający bliskie i dość liczne analogie w skarbach i wyposażeniu grobów Kujaw, Wielkopolski i Śląska. Wyniki ekspertyzy archeometalurgicznej, wskazują, że prezentowane okazy można wiązać z technologicznie różnymi tradycjami wytwórczości brązowniczej. O ile raczej nie ma wątpliwości, że bransoleta z Brudzynia jest kolejnym wyrobem powstałym w warsztacie „mogiłowym”, o tyle ta z Torunia może być przykładem lokalnego („trzcinieckiego”) produktu mającego cechy stylistyki mogiłowej.

A comprehensive programme of archaeometric research into the chemical composition and manufacturing technology of Early Iron Age artefacts discovered in Świbie, Upper Silesia, has yielded a number of detailed observations and findings. Sixty-six artefacts from a collection of several hundred large bronzes were targeted for study. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with micro-area composition analysis were used. In selected cases, non-destructive analysis was carried out by digital X-ray radiography. The study was preceded by macroscopic observation of the artefacts. It was shown that most of the large ring ornaments were made from castings subsequently subjected to numerous forging (reforging and shaping) and finishing treatments. Some of the wares, such as the massive ankle rings, retained many of the characteristics of the original cast, indicating that the finishing treatment was only applied when necessary due to the nature of the product (e.g. visual qualities). Decoration was applied using various techniques, often used in combination with each other (e.g. designing a decoration on a wax model and correcting it on the finished product). It was demonstrated that the characteristic constrictions found on the inside of the massive twisted-bar ankle rings of the Upper Silesia and Sącz (Stary Sącz) types could not be the effect of wear and tear, but evidence of intentional reforging, most likely aimed at creating a place to attach an organic strap to fix the ornament in place on the leg. The research has also identified a new category of imports from the circum-Alpine or Mediterranean areas, namely necklaces with a hooked clasp. The extraordinarily precise ornamental technique observed on the necklace, long known in the literature, from grave 102 (in which other imported luxury goods were also found), required the use of a tool in the type of a tap or a threader, and it has never before been identified in an Early Iron Age context in Poland. Above all, however, these studies made it possible to answer the research questions regarding the sample. The first question concerned the raw material and technological variation of the collection across functional and stylistic categories: Did the objects produced and/or used by the population using the cemetery differ in chemical composition of the alloy and manufacturing technique according to function or style? Although the raw material composition was quite similar for the majority of the artefacts (classic Cu-Sn tin bronze), it emerged that some of them had a slightly different composition, most notably an elevated lead content (above 1.5%, exceptionally up to 9.5%), and that this was not coincidental. More often than not, these objects, such as the necklace from grave 217 or the openwork knife handle fitting from grave 495, demanded castings that, due to their small thickness in the mould, required a special alloy with improved castability. This was not required with massive bronzes or those meant for forging sheet metal for the production of coiled ornaments ; these wares are usually characterised by a low proportion of intentionally added lead as an alloying component. No such consistency can be seen in the manufacture of small ornaments such as buttons or spiral pendants, presumably produced on a day-to-day basis from currently available raw material or from recycled raw material. A satisfactory answer was also obtained to the second main question: Whether it was practised to furnish the deceased with sets uniform in style and raw material (possibly including objects produced especially for the funerary ceremony), or whether the objects amassed in the grave were made from raw material from different sources and at different stages of the buried person’s life. Proceeding from a comparison of all the bronzes from three rich burials (graves 102, N=11; 124, N=12; 574, N=9), it was concluded that they were certainly not furnished with complete ceremonial costumes prepared by one workshop, from one batch of raw material. The only objects that they can be considered sets in terms of both style and workshop are pairs of large bronzes (such as ankle rings or massive bracelets), which were most often made from a homogeneous raw material and probably functioned together from manufacture to deposition in the grave. In the group of small bronzes, this contextual approach (as well as the functional one) confirmed a greater range of raw material patterns.

This study reports the results of archaeometallurgical investigations performed on a complete two-part bronze casting mould discovered in the village of Elgiszewo (north Poland). The mould was part of the so-called Lusatian founder’s hoard deposited on the southern borders of the Chełmno group territory between 900 and 700 BC. The investigations involved the employment of spectral (ED XRF, SEM-EDS, X-ray)and microscopic (SEM-EDS, OM) analyses. The experimental casting of the model mould and socketed axe was carried out in this study as well. The chemical composition of the mould indicates the use of fire-refined (oxidized) fahlore scrap bronze, which could originally be composed of North Tyrolean copper fahlores. The metallographic results furthermore indicate deliberate tin abandonment by the Lusatian metalworker to maintain a thermal resistance of the mould during direct metal casting. Having analysed the results of the performed research, we can state that the mould from Elgiszew...

The paper presents the results of experimental investigations of the heat generation and microstructure evolution during the friction stir processing (FSP) of the SnSb11Cu6 alloy. The Triflute tool was used for modification; the process was carried out using two rotational speeds of the tool: 280 and 560 RPM and a constant linear speed of 355 mm/min. Microstructure studies were performed employing the techniques of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy along with analysis of the chemical composition of micro-areas. Additionally, the phase composition was investigated by means of the X-ray diffraction method, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis and hardness testing were performed before and after FSP modification. Furthermore, measurements of the temperature directly on the modified surface by means of a thermal imaging camera and the temperature in the modified zone with a thermocouple system were performed. It was proved that using FSP to modify the SnS...

In this paper, the results from studies regarding near-eutectic Al-Si alloys with Sn as an alloying addition are presented. In most Al-Si alloys, tin is regarded as a contaminant; thus, its amount is limited to up to 0.3 wt.%. The few studies that can be found in the literature regarding the behaviour of tin in aluminium alloys suggest the beneficial effect of this element on selected properties. However, these results were obtained for hypereutectic Al-Si alloys or wrought aluminium alloys. In our studies, the influence of tin contents of up to 1.7 wt.% was determined on the AlSi10 alloy. Thermal analysis, measurements of the mechanical properties of the cast and heat-treated alloy, metallographic observations (light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy), and EDS (X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry) measurement allowed us to fully describe the effect of tin on the aluminium alloy. The results of the thermal analysis showed changes in the range of the α-Al solution crystallisa...

Cast axes are one of the most numerous categories of bronze products from earlier phases of the Bronze Age found in Poland. They had multiple applications since they were not only used objects such as tools or weapons but also played the prestigious and cult roles. Investigations of the selected axes from the bronze products treasure of the Bronze Age, found in the territory of Poland, are presented in the hereby paper. The holder of these findings is the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. Metallurgical investigations of axes with bushing were performed in respect of the casting technology and quality of obtained castings. Macroscopic observations allowed to document the remains of the gating system and to assess the range and kind of casting defects. Light microscopy revealed the microstructure character of these relicts. The chemical composition was determined by means of the X-ray fluorescence method with energy dispersion (ED-XRF) and by the scanning electron microscopy with...

Silicon bronzes are characterised by good mechanical properties and by high corrosion and mechanical wear resistance. The process of sleeve casting by means of the centrifugal casting with the horizontal axis of the mould rotation was analysed. The assessment of the influence of modification and centrifugal casting parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of alloys was carried out in the hereby work. Zirconium was applied as a modifier. Speed of rotation of the mould was the variable parameter of the centrifugal casting. The investigation results were summarised on the basis of the microstructure analysis and mechanical properties determination: UTS, proof stress, A10 and BHN. The experiment aimed at finding the information in which way the modification together with changing the pouring parameters influence the mechanical properties of the CuSi3Zn3FeMn alloy.

High prices of tin and its limited resources, as well as several valuable properties characterising Cu-Sn alloys, cause searching for materials of similar or better properties at lower production costs. The influence of various nickel additions to CuSn10 casting bronze and to CuSn8 bronze of a decreased tin content was tested. Investigations comprised melting processes and casting of tin bronzes containing various nickel additions (up to 5%). The applied variable conditions of solidification and cooling of castings (metal and ceramic moulds) allowed to assess these alloys sensitivity in forming macro and microstructures. In order to determine the direction of changes in the analysed Cu-Sn-Ni alloys, the metallographic and strength tests were performed. In addition, the solidification character was analysed on the basis of the thermal analysis tests. The obtained results indicated the influence of nickel in the solidification and cooling ways of the analysed alloys (significantly inc...

Purpose: The AgSnBi powder used for electrical contacts has been consolidated in the process of reciprocating extrusion (cyclic extrusion compression CEC) in 2, 4, 8 and 16 CEC cycles at room temperature. It corresponds to the deformations: 2 CEC cycles φ = 0.84, 4 CEC cycles φ = 1.68, 8 CEC cycles φ = 3.36 and 16 CEC cycles φ = 6.72. The microstructure of consolidated powder has been characterized by optical microscopy (MO), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found characteristic granular microstructure with the oxides film at granular boundaries. Some voids and cracks were observed in consolidated samples, especially at higher magnifications. Inside the consolidated granules the nano-microstructure with nano twins was found. Microhardness of AgSnBi after the consolidation by the CEC process achieved level of about 100-110 μHV. The microhardness of samples consolidated by CEC and then hydrostatically extruded increase of about 20 μ...

Interdiffusion between Fe (Armco) and Cu single crystals of similar orientation (around [110]) annealed at temperatures of 873 and 973K in air for 0.5 up to 4 h is studied. Formation of three phases different in their chemical composition has been observed: 1) oxide layer on Cu border (porous), 2) a layer rich in copper, iron and oxygen, 3) a layer of iron and oxygen with only small addition of Cu. All reactions of interface formation occurred in solid state. It was noted that oxygen plays an important role in development of new phases. Strong Kirkendall effect is observed due to large difference in diffusion coefficients of copper atoms to iron, DCu→Fe=300exp(-67800/RT) and iron atoms to copper DCu→Fe=0.091exp(-46140/RT).

The conducted studies regarded the analysis of change of structure of point defects occurring during initial stage of recovery of FCC (Al, Cu) and HCP (Ti, Mg and Zn) metals at temperature close to Th =0.5Tm. The changes in resistivity of the deformed and later recovered samples were measured. The recovery time was 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 min. The observed changes were correlated with reorganization of arrangement of lattice defects during annealing.

The Influence of Soldering Conditions on Conductivity, Structure and Strength of Cu/Sn96Ag4 Solders In the paper the electrical properties of the Cu/Sn96Ag4 solders were studied. The studied solders were produced at 200, 220 and 250°C and within time range 3 to 90 s. Soldering temperatures were chosen to assure the best soldering conditions for the Cu/Sn96Ag4 alloy. The most appropriate temperature of 200°C is the one just above the melting point. The temperature of 250°C is the maximal one recommended by producers, which can be applied for the electronic elements during soldering. The studies have shown that the best electrical properties and tensile strength Rm have samples soldered at times 3 and 30 s, while the highest specific resistance together with the lowest Rm value are observed for samples soldered at the time of 10 s. The soldering temperature have small influence on the strength of the connection/bond however it shows significant affect on the electrical properties.

This preliminary study characterizes the bronze metalworking on a defensive settlement of the Lusatian culture in former Kamieniec (Chełmno land, Poland) as it is reflected through casting workshop recovered during recent excavations. Among ready products, the ones giving evidence of local metallurgy (e.g. casting moulds and main runners) were also identified. With the shrinkage cavities and dendritic microstructures revealed, the artifacts prove the implementing a casting method by the Lusatian culture metalworkers. The elemental composition indicates application of two main types of bronzes: Cu-Sn and Cu-Pb. Aside these main alloying additions, some natural impurities such as silver, arsenic, antimony and nickel were found which may be attributed to the origin of the ore and casting technology. The collection from Kamieniec was described in terms of its structure and composition. The investigations were made by means of the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF...

Abstract In 2009, an exceptional discovery was made in west-central Poland. At the Late Bronze Age necropolis in Wartoslaw, tools used in metalworking were unearthed from a mass grave belonging to the Lusatian people that can be dated to 1100–900 BCE. Twelve out of over 70 ceramic vessels from the burial pit were identified as urns that contained the ashes of at least eight deceased individuals, including two adult men, one young woman, one unspecified adult, and at least four children. Metallographic, chemical, and petrographic investigations of mortuary goods were used to determine their provenance and use in metalworking. The results of these investigations were used as a proxy to analyze the mass grave according to the ritual and social strategies of the era, including the status and organization of Lusatian metalworkers, and to consider the possibility of identifying their burials in the archeological record.

Arsenical copper has been used since 5 millennium cal.BC, later exchanged by application of Cu-Sn alloys in metallurgy. This work presents the results of metallographic and mechanical properties studies performed on two flat axes connected with local Eneolithic societies (4500-3000 cal.BC). The axes are one of the oldest metal artifacts from Polish land. Originally they were made from Cu-As alloy, and their chemical composition was established by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Their microstructure was analysed using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy conducted with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The macrostructure analysis (OM) of the axes was performed as well. On the basis of the results, the alloys used in the Eneolithic to cast the axes were reproduced in lab. In order to achieve the characteristics of the alloys, their mechanical properties including ultimate tensile strenght (UTS), hardness (HB), microhardness (HV0,1) and ductilit...

The analysis of the connection steel/Al/steel made by resistance welding was performed. The used low-carbon steel had low content of carbon and other elements, aluminum was of 99.997 wt.% Al purity. Formation of various FeAl intermetallic phases found in the phase diagram depending on the duration of the process was analyzed. Two distinctively different types of structure depending on time of welding were observed: 1) hypoeutectic structure for samples processed for 5 s, and 2) eutectic structure for samples processed for 10 s and more. The shear test showed increase of mechanical properties of the connection for the samples welded 10 s.

Abstract This study characterizes extraordinary Balteus belt–fittings recovered from the Wielbark culture cemetery in Linowo (Chelmno land, Poland). The belt–fittings were cast in Cu–alloys and decorated with embossed applications made of noble metals. Among the belt–fittings, some other grave inventory was also placed with the deceased. The metal inventory was described in terms of its composition and structure. The investigations were performed by means of the energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). In order to fingerprint the Balteus belt–fittings manufacturing technology, the investigations involved the employment of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with the energy dispersive X–ray analysis system (EDS) and optical microscopy (OM). The elemental composition indicates the application of two main types of Cu–alloys, i.e. scrap bronze (Cu–Sn, Cu–Sn–Pb, Cu–Pb–Sn) and scrap leaded gunmetal (Cu–Sn–Pb–Zn). It has been established that the Barbarian metalworkers were familiar with embossing the Au–Ag foils and made themselves capable of attaching them to a metal background with Sn–Pb solder. Based on the metallographic data, the reconstruction of the chaine operatoire used for manufacturing the belt–fittings was implemented in this study as well.

The studies regard analysis of variable Al and Fe additions on the chosen group of CuSn alloys. The group of tin bronzes known and applied for thousands of years has still found its application in many branches of industry, however it was observed that small amounts of aluminum and iron may affect the original properties strongly. The changes of mechanical properties and microstructure is discussed in detail. Aside of many advantageous properties of these bronzes, it is noted that the mentioned alloying additions have beneficial effect on the gas-induced shrinkage porosity. Simultaneously, the effect of the aluminum addition on the characteristic phase transformation points was determined basing on the analysis of calorimetric curves. The results are correlated with microstructure observations.

Samples made of iron powder with addition of 1.5 and 2% of molybdenum and 0-0.6% of boron were compacted at 600 MPa and sintered at 1200°C for 60 minutes in hydrogen atmosphere after mixing in Turbula mixer. The samples were deformed in a tensile test till rupture. The effect of molybdenum and boron on topography of fracture is discussed. It is noted that the sintering mechanism changes upon addition of boron particles into Fe-Mo alloy. The fractures of the studied samples were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The addition of Mo influences the change of fracture to ductile type. The type of fracture is brittle with Mo and borides segregating to grain boundaries. In the alloys with low concentrations of molybdenum boron induces brittle transgranular fracture.

This work presents the results of metallographic studies performed on four Eneolithic and Bronze Age artifacts from Poland. All of them are of none archaeological context therefore its academic value is strongly reduced. The aim of this work is to deal with such a reduced data in a way of improving and verifing current state of knowledge about the artifacts. In order to achieve this goal elemental composition (XRF), microstructure analysis (SEM-EDS), macrostructure analysis (optical microscopy) and 3D scanning were performed.

During the research a group of copper and tin alloys was investigated. The influence of variable additions of aluminium within the range of 0.3 – 1.4 wt % was analysed on tin bronze CuSn10 with the aim of obtaining durable bronzes, from outside the normalized copper alloy groups. Melts were conducted in order to obtain alloy samples for testing the chosen properties. Metallographic and SEM-EDS tests were carried out to determine the microstructure changes caused by introducing Al addition to CuSn10 alloy. Also, chosen mechanical properties were tested for the alloys investigated. The results showed considerable changes in the microstructure as well as significant hardening of the Cu-Sn alloys as the result of aluminium addition. The thermal and dilatometric analysis confirmed the presence of phase changes, also their parameters were assessed depending on the share of aluminium addition in the CuSn10. The aluminium additive applied within the range of 0.3-1.4 wt% to CuSn10 bronze cle...

Solder joints based on eutectic SnZn alloy were studied. The influence of Ga and Ag was analysed and compared to the basic Sn8Zn alloy as well as to the reference solder alloys Sn60Pb40 and Sn3Cu. The formation of intermetallic layer in zinc-containing al-loys made mainly out of Cu5Zn8 type was noted, while in the standard solder alloys it was Cu3Sn. The resistivity measurements showed the lowest value for Sn8Zn1Ag and the worst in the case of Sn8Zn1Ga, due to the quite different incorporation of Ag and Ga atoms in the solder: Ag atoms are found in precipitates while Ga atoms are dissolved in the matrix.

The article presents a newly discovered fragment of the Hunnic cauldron, unearthed during investment research conducted at site 59-60 in Sanok, Sanok County, Podkarpackie Voivodeship. As a result of conducted excavations, an extensive settlement from the Late Roman Period and the Early Migration Period were discovered. The fragment of the cauldron in one of the most important discoveries from here. Up to date just over 20 specimens of cauldrons or their fragments are known from Central Europe. The presented one is just the second cauldron discovered in the area of Poland. The article contains the results of stylistic, typological and chemical analyzes confirming the interpretation of this find.

In 2009, an exceptional discovery was made in west-central Poland. At the Late Bronze Age necropolis in Wartosław, tools used in metalworking were unearthed from a mass grave belonging to the Lusatian people that can be dated to 1100-900 BCE. Twelve out of over 70 ceramic vessels from the burial pit were identified as urns that contained the ashes of at least eight deceased individuals, including two adult men, one young woman, one unspecified adult, and at least four children. Metallographic, chemical, and petrographic investigations of mortuary goods were used to determine their provenance and use in metalworking. The results of these investigations were used as a proxy to analyze the mass grave according to the ritual and social strategies of the era, including the status and organization of Lusatian metalworkers, and to consider the possibility of identifying their burials in the archeological record.

Currently there is a constant development in the field of aluminium alloys engineering. This results from, i.a., better understanding of the mechanisms that direct strengthening of these alloys and the role of microalloying. Now it is microalloying in aluminum alloys that is receiving a lot of attention. It affects substantially the macro- and microstructure and kinetics of phase transformation influencing the properties during production and its exploitation. 7xxx series aluminum alloys, based on the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu system, are high-strength alloys, moreover, the presence of Zr and Sr further increases their strength and improves resistance to cracking.This study aims to present the changes of the properties, depending on the alloy chemical composition and the macro- and microstructure. Therefore, the characteristics in the field of hardness, tensile strength, yield strength and elongation are shown on selected examples. Observations were made on ingot samples obtained by semi-continuo...

In the paper the concept of structure refinement due to mechanical twinning is discussed. It is postulated that the process of structure refinement may occur when dominant crystal shear proceeds across twin-matrix interface (Mode 2). Contrary, if the crystal shear proceeds parallel to the interface (Mode 1) no condition for structure refinement is satisfied. The conditions of the structure refinement and no structure refinement are shown taking example of tensile Cu-8%at. Al single crystals of two orientations [1 4 5] and [1 1 2] tested in liquid nitrogen. The tensile characteristics are therefore divided into stages associated with the Mode 1 and Mode 2, which correspond to the fact whether refinement of single crystal structure is present or not, as it is proved by the EBSD analysis. The performed analysis showed that structure refinement consists of formation of regions of new orientations, where the most common feature is the II order twinning (the case [1 4 5]) supported by ...

Investigations are conducted in order to maintain or to improve the selected properties of the group of foundry copper-tin alloys with nickel and titanium additions, at a limited fraction of the critical (deficit) element such as tin. The crystallisation process, as well as changes of the microstructure and selected mechanical properties of the CuSn8 alloy—occurring due to introducing alloying additions—were analysed. Investigations of the macro and microstructure were performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the thermal analysis and thermodynamic modelling using the CALPHAD (CALculations of PHAse Diagrams) method, the crystallisation process was analysed. The identification of phases was performed by XRD (X-ray diffraction). In addition, such parameters as tensile strength-UTS, elongation-A and hardness-HBS were tested. Under the influence of the introduced titanium, the columnar crystals are reduced due to the crystallisation of the alloy at the walls of ...

In this study, four composites with different ZrB2 content were made by the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS/FAST) technique. The sintering process was carried out at 1373 K for 5 min under an argon atmosphere. The effect of ZrB2 reinforcing phase content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical and tribological properties of composites was investigated. The results were compared with experimental data obtained for 316L austenitic stainless steel without the reinforcing phase. The results showed that the ZrB2 content significantly affected the tested properties. With the increasing content of the ZrB2 reinforcing phase, there was an increase in the Young’s modulus and hardness and an improvement in the abrasive wear resistance of sintered composites. In all composites, new fine precipitates were formed and distributed in the steel matrix and along the grain boundaries. Microstructural analysis (Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS)) has reveal...

This study characterizes the bronze jewellery recovered from the Lusatian culture urn-field in Mała Kępa (Chełmno land, Poland). Among many common ornaments (e.g. necklaces, rings, pins) the ones giving evidence of a steppe-styled inspiration (nail earrings) were also identified. With the dendritic microstructures revealed, the nail earrings prove the implementing of a lost-wax casting method, whereas some of the castings were further subjected to metalworking. The elemental composition indicates the application of two main types of bronze alloys: Cu-Sn and Cu-Sn-Pb. It has been established that the Lusatian metalworkers were familiar with re-melting the scrap bronze and made themselves capable of roasting the sulphide-rich ores. The collection from Mała Kępa has been described in terms of its structure and composition. The investigations were made by means of the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with an energy di...

This study characterizes extraordinary Balteus belt–fittings recovered from the Wielbark culture cemetery in Linowo (Chełmno land, Poland). The belt–fittings were cast in Cu–alloys and decorated with embossed applications made of noble metals. Among the belt–fittings, some other grave inventory was also placed with the deceased. The metal inventory was described in terms of its composition and structure. The investigations were performed by means of the energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). In order to fingerprint the Balteus belt–fittings manufacturing technology, the investigations involved the employment of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with the energy dispersive X–ray analysis system (EDS) and optical microscopy (OM). The elemental composition indicates the application of two main types of Cu–alloys, i.e. scrap bronze (Cu–Sn, Cu–Sn–Pb, Cu–Pb–Sn) and scrap leaded gunmetal (Cu–Sn–Pb–Zn). It has been established that the Barbarian metalworkers ...

At the beginning of 750 BC, the Urnfield world-system was about to collapse, bringing about many serious cultural changes in the region of Central Europe along with the atomization of local Lusatian communities from the territory that is today northern Poland. It was a time of growing social and political competition between the Lusatian power elites, which took different forms, including more or less open struggle for influence in the metal trading network. In this paper, we provide new chemical (using ED XRF and SEM-EDS) and technological (using mCT, X-ray, OM and SEM-EDS) data for the bronze anklet and three phalerae which were hoarded in present-day Lipienek, northern Poland, between 600 and 450 BC, to combine it further with patterns of metalwork production and consumption in the region. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to present how the metal trading influenced cultural interactions between the Lusatian peoples from the Chełmno land and the nearby Kuyavia region, and how the Chełmno group responded to the dynamic and interconnected landscape of Early Iron Age Poland. Through exploring the metal artefacts from Lipienek, we also contribute to a better understanding of the bricoleur style in the Lusatian metalworking. Here, it appears that this technological trajectory might have resulted from the pragmatism of metalworkers who searched for a way to keep pace with the social and technological competition during the Lusatian era. Furthermore, the results have allowed us to hypothesise that the bricoleur style behind the hoard can also reflect the alienation of Chełmno group metalworkers and their patrons from the mainstream metal trading network, which was controlled by the Stanomin centre in the nearby Kuyavia region.