Reconstruction of Metalworking Techniques for Copper and Bronze of the Tagar Culture on the Basis of Experimental Traceological Analysis

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the reconstruction of metalworking techniques of the Tagar archaeological culture on the basis of experimental traceological analysis. A series of experiments was carried out for comprehensive research of the rock art in Minusinsk Basin. 23 basic samples were produced and nine tools were casted, which were then treated by cold forging and locksmithing. As a result, the techniques that were used in manufacture of 62 labor instruments and weapons were reconstructed. The technological chains were based on casting in two-part, including clay, vertical or horizontal molds, with following forging (stone hammers) and abrasion (sandstone, sandstone with wet sand). The tools and elements of impact weapons were treated by hardening forging. The surfaces of the penetrating purpose weapons (the points of the picks) were not hardened, but only sharpened. The increasing of collection of experimental samples is scheduled.