Silver recycling in the Viking Age: Theoretical and analytical approaches
Jane Kershaw|Stephen W. Merkel
The recycling (remelting) of precious metals is commonly seen as a major impediment in provenancing studies. Yet cases where known silver sources are both limited and geochemically well-characterized, there opportunities to evaluate flows at different temporal geographical scales. Here, we provide theoretical analytical framework for assessing the impact metal historical context which remelting was norm: Viking Age Scandinavia (c.800-1050 ce). Harnessing new, large-scale, Pb isotope trace element datasets, demonstrate potential revealing contribution Western European Islamic discrete archaeological assemblages defined coin artefact groups. We then use chemical markers change imported assess longevity circulating stocks. Rather than acting barrier understanding, provides lens through long-distance trade networks, movement frequency events.
Archaeometry|Oxford University Research Archive (ORA) (University of Oxford)|PubMed Central|PubMed