Pages: 307-316

The Kuzebaevo hoard consisting of 1053 items attracts researchers owing to its content, which helps to correct, to a certain extent, our views on the past. This paper shows the results of its authentication study. Analyzed were the elements of a heraldic belt set, the main part of which is interpreted by the researchers as 'master model'. Proceeding from the chemical and technical analysis, it was shown that the items were cast into composite molds produced as impression of both matrices and finished products. Apparently, as many as 31 different matrix pieces were used in casting of 57 of the studied items. Some items, judging by some specific traces, could be later used as 'master models' (matrices) to produce an impression for casting of extensive series. The items of belt set subjected to X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) were produced from lead-tin alloy (30 items) with high concentration of tin (up to 44.61 %); 15 items showed content of cadmium (up to 0.26 %). Availability of cadmium in decertified samples typologically similar to the archaeological items suggest their attribution as forgery. The radioisotopic examination (based on 210Pb) aimed to detect this excessive radioactive isotope allowed to establish that lead in the studied samples is not modern.

Keywords: Udmurtia, Kuzebaevo hoard, belt set, chemical-technological analysis, lead-tin alloy, radioisotope investigation, authentication

Information about authors:

Irina Saprykina (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dmitry Ulyanov St., 19, Moscow, 117036 , Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
Lubov Pelgunova (Moscow, Russian Federation). A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution. Leninsky Pr., 33, Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]