|
In this work, eleven ivory handles with similar morphotecnic characteristics recovered in both habitat and funerary spaces, dated between the 4th and 2nd century BC, have been analysed. The technics and the raw materials employed for their decoration deserve special attention. It has been possible, for the first time in the Iberian peninsula in the Iron Age, and trough Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) and portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis, to document ambar inlays adhered to the surface of the handles by using tin as a soft solder. Likewise, some of these objects are decorated with bronze overlays and, exceptionally in one of those, the handle is covered on its sides with a silver sheet.
This paper focuses on the outstanding nature of these prestigious objects only accessible to the aristrocatic elite who can afford them. Their origin and necessary craft technical knowledge to make them is discussed.
|
|
Mata Parreño, C.; Soria Combadiera, L.; Blasco Martín, M.; Gallello, G.; Belarte Franco, C.; Pastor García, A. El prestigio de los objetos: mangos de marfil en el mundo ibérico. Zephyrus vol. 86 (2020) pp. 67-86. |