Technological Analysis of Turquoise Jewelry (Based on Finds from the Scythian Burial Ground of Ak-Dag I in Tyva)

Abstract

Purpose. The article presents results of studying the elemental composition and manufacturing technology of turquoise jewelry found in barrow 1 of the Ak-Dag I burial ground of the early Scythian time. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to determine the elemental composition of the mineral. The presence and ratio of the number of elements in the table indicates that the items are made of turquoise. The basic elements of the mineral include oxides of copper, phosphorus, aluminum and iron. A relatively large amount of iron oxide gives turquoise minerals a more saturated green color. The composition of the samples under study is extremely rich in zirconium, which allows us to identify the field where the raw material was obtained. Results. A traceological study of the artifacts considered was based on the proven methodology of experimental-traceological analysis. As a result of experimental and technological research, we conclude that the process of manufacturing occurred in three stages. Initially, the formation of the main planes of the workpieces and grinding of the ends took place. At the second stage the artifacts were drilled, the starting points of drilling were located at the narrow ends of the items. The traces of work that are visible on the artifacts indicate the use of easel, high-speed drilling. At the third stage the artifacts were processed with a fine-grained abrasive, as a result of which the final products were given a smoothed shape. Conclusion. In general, the production technology of the artifacts considered can be described as relatively perfect. There were closest analogues of the products from the Ak-Dag I site found in the same region. A similar method of inclined drilling was also used by the Scythians of Altai on their stone products.