Sword chape found at Santok: technological, technical, formal and typological aspects
[ 1 ] Ośrodek Archeologii Średniowiecza Krajów Nadbałtyckich w Szczecinie, Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk | [ 2 ] Laboratorium Bio- i Archeometrii PAN (Warszawa, Kraków, Poznań), Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk | [ 3 ] Ośrodek Studiów Pradziejowych i Średniowiecznych w Poznaniu, Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk | [ P ] pracownik
2019
artykuł naukowy
angielski
EN This paper presents the results of studies and technological analyses of a fragment of the fittings from the lower part of a sword scabbard discovered in 2016 at the stronghold in Santok, Wielkopolska, Poland. The chape represents the type in widespread use across the Baltic lands in the second half of the tenth century and the early eleventh century AD, yet its embellishments are the subject of debate. According to some researchers, the scene shows Odin with his attributes or birds. Others believe that it depicts the sacrifice of Odin, similar to that of the crucified Christ, or the fight between the hero and the monsters. The chape was made of copper alloy, but its chemical composition is unusual, with very high levels of lead. This indicates the conscious and purposeful use of alloys with specific properties. Until now, only about 1% of such artefacts have been subjected to technological analyses, and further research is necessary to confirm standardization regularities in their production process.
387 - 406
100
100