David Loepp, Alexander Maass

Experimental Replication of a Granulated Gold Bead from an Ancient Tomb at Bat, Oman

Introduction

Experimental replication of a granulated gold bead from an ancient tomb at bat, oman. Uncover the secrets of an ancient Omani granulated gold bead (3rd-1st Millennium BC) through experimental replication. Learn about autogenous welding, brazing, and early goldsmithing.

Abstract

During excavation of a tomb at Bat, Oman, an unusual gold bead entirely composed of 96 granules was discovered. The bead comes  from an unstratified context in the bottom of the fill of the tomb, which means that it could date anywhere during the use-life of the  tomb between the 3rd and 1st Millennium BC. The technical problems surrounding the manufacture of this bead are discussed and an  experimental approach is used to explore a possible method of fabrication. The results of the experiments show that a combination of  autogenous welding and brazing with copper salts to construct and join the individual units of the bead was successful to produce a  visual replica of the bead. The method of bead construction based on the serial production of units and sub-units also has implications on the practice and organization of goldsmithing during this era. 

Review

This paper presents a fascinating and rigorous experimental archaeometallurgical investigation into the manufacturing techniques of an exceptionally intricate granulated gold bead discovered at Bat, Oman. The bead, composed of 96 individual granules, represents a significant technical challenge for ancient artisans, especially given its broad dating to between the 3rd and 1st Millennium BC from an unstratified context. The study is highly commendable for tackling such a complex archaeological artifact, providing much-needed insight into the sophisticated metallurgical capabilities present in the region during antiquity. The core of the research lies in its experimental approach to replicate the gold bead. The authors meticulously discuss the technical problems posed by the bead's construction before detailing their successful methodology. By combining autogenous welding and brazing with copper salts, they were able to produce a visually convincing replica. This not only demonstrates a plausible ancient manufacturing process but also highlights the ingenuity required to achieve such intricate granulation without modern tools. The clarity with which the experimental process and its results are presented makes the findings robust and highly convincing. Beyond the successful replication, the paper offers valuable broader implications for our understanding of ancient goldsmithing. The proposed method of serial production for units and sub-units suggests a level of organization and perhaps even specialization in ancient workshops, moving beyond individual craftsmanship to a more structured approach to complex projects. This contribution enriches the discourse on ancient technological capabilities and the social organization of labor within craft production. This work serves as an excellent example of how experimental archaeology can effectively bridge the gap between archaeological finds and the historical understanding of their creation.

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