Metal Products from the Sargatka Culture Sites in the Tobol River Region

Abstract

The article is devoted to the presentation of the results of an analytical study of metal products from the Sargatka culture sites of the Tobol river region by X-ray fluorescence analysis to clarify the directions of contacts of the local population. As a result of the analysis, we have received evidence of the wide distribution of products made of pure copper (Сu), tin bronze (Cu+Sn) and brass (Cu+Zn) among the population of the Sargatka culture, and we also noted the use of rare alloys not previously identified on the materials of the Sargatka culture: leaded brass (Cu+Zn+Pb) and leadtin bronze (Cu+Pb+Sn). Such a variety of alloys indicates the presence of broad trade and exchange relations among the population of the Sargatka culture at different stages of its existence. The new data do not contradict the idea widespread in the literature about the receipt of ingots and products made of pure copper from Itkul metallurgists, as well as things made of bronze with a high tin content from Central Asia, the Volga region, the Cisurals, the eastern regions of Siberia, Altai and Transbaikal. The new material allowed us to draw a conclusion about the origin of lead-tin bronze products from the Xiongnu of Transbaikal, and jewelry made of double and three-component leaded brass from the population of the Kushan period of Northern Bactria.