Dubious Early Medieval Jewels from Matzhausen (Bavaria): New Material and Technological Investigations
Jan Hasil|Estelle Ottenwelter|Ludmila Barčaková
A controversial set of elite jewels assumed to be early medieval period, recovered in 1937–1938 from a burial site Matzhausen (northeastern Bavaria) was investigated determine their technological coherency as well authenticity. The discovery these exploited by German nationalists argue that the material culture observed Bohemia and Moravia ninth century had Germanic roots. circumstances discovery, however, remain unclear. Research archives demonstrated involvement SS Ahnenerbe organisation recovery jewels. Are authentic or are they forgeries manufactured modified modern craftsman serve expansionist nationalism? Three grave – gombik (hollow spherical pendant), an earring with chainlet, zoomorphic figurine were using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-radiography, stereomicroscopy. investigation revealed very heterogeneous objects respect technology state preservation. It also uncovered repairs past invasive interventions involving metal solder. Comparison similar types points important differences construction technology, which confirms uniqueness this casts suspicion on
Studies in Conservation|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)