The Casting Molds for Celts of Type IV (Early Iron Age) According to M. P. Gryaznov’s Classification: The Manufacturing Technology

Purpose. Recently there was a publication devoted to the ornament typology, based on a stylized ‘hoof print’, for the Early Iron Age celts from Central Siberia. In developing this ornament typology and identifying its application traditions, the author carried out a series of experiments in order to identify the complete technological cycle of its production. It is this aspect which will be the focus of the article. Results. We are researching the application technology of the ornament that consists of three main elements that make up the composition. In the central part there is a punctum in the form of a stylized unfolded ‘hoof print’. This figure is crossed by a ‘belt’ line. From the top of the ‘hoof print’ and the so-called ‘belt’, short lines can go down. The information on the area, where the celts with such an ornament were found, indicates that they were distributed only in Central Siberia. Conclusion. The complex of objects includes more than 30 celts (Type IV according to M. P. Gryaznov’s typology). The study identifies two traditions of applying an ornament. In the first case, the central figure (‘hoof print’) was cut out on the celt pattern and the impression was transferred to the valve of the casting mold. The rest of the elements were cut out on the casting matrix. In the second case, we are talking about a combined approach, when the ornament was completely applied to the clay model of the celt. At the same time, only the central figure in the form of an unfolded ‘half-hoof print’ was cut out, the rest of the ornament elements such as a ‘belt’ and the hanging short lines were applied using the sculpting method. For both methods of ornament application, there are common features such as the traces of carving with a sharp object (i.e. knife) in the central part of the ‘half-hoof print’ figure, rubbing the sampler surface and the celt shape with the finger pads. The first method’s distinctive features are the roll sculpturing on a celt pattern, superimposing them on top of each other, an overlap of the roll onto the sides. The second method’s distinctive features are the tracing lines made with a pointed object (i.e. wood chips, knife), superposition of carved lines on top of each other.