Pages: 163-172 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp265163172
The article examines the production features of medieval trade weights discovered in the Perm Cis-Urals. Nine trade weights of different types were studied using metallographic and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). The types correspond to their regions of origin: spiral-shaped weights are characteristic of the Perm Cis-Urals, faceted weights of Volga Bulgaria, oblate spheroidal weights of Scandinavia, and disc-shaped weights of Byzantium. XRF analysis showed that, among weights made of non-ferrous metals, the choice of alloy was associated with a specific object type. This indicates standardization and the existence of craft centers specializing in the production of trade weights. Metallographic analysis showed that the Bulgarian faceted weight was made of case-hardened steel. Local spiral-shaped weights were made of iron and subsequently case-hardened. The barrel-shaped weights had a composite structure consisting of an iron core and a brass shell. The weights were produced by skilled artisans who followed established technological standards governing the choice of raw materials and the form and appearance of finished products. This standardization was accompanied by merchants’ responsible attitude toward their occupation and material interests. Most of the analytical data presented in the article are published here for the first time.
Keywords: Perm Cis-Urals, Middle Ages, balance weights, XRF, metallography
Information about authors:
VadimKuznetsov (Perm, Russian Federation). Perm State University. Bukireva St., 15, Perm, 614068, Russian Federation; Perm State Regional Universal Library named after A. M. Gorky. Lenin St., 70, Perm, 614990, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-3880-4234
Andrey Smertin (Perm, Russian Federation). Perm Federal Research Center of Ural Academy of Sciences. Lenin St., 13a, Perm, 614990, Russian Federation; Perm State Humanitarian Pedagogical University. Sibirskaya St., 24, Perm, 614990, Russian Federation; Perm State University. Bukireva St., 15, Perm, 614068, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0001-8635-2661