DECORATIVE PUNCHMARKS ON NON-FERROUS ARTEFACTS FROM BARRINGTON EDIX HILL ANGLO-SAXON CEMETERY 1989-91, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, IN THEIR REGIONAL CONTEXT
Author(s): C Mortimer, M Stoney
Punchmarks on 45 objects from recent excavations at this sixth- to seventh- century inhumation cemetery were recorded using silicon rubber peels and examined using scanning electron microscopy, especially topographic backscattered electron imaging. This analytical technique was shown to be labour-intensive but capable of giving useful insights into punch manufacture and use. A classification of punches is proposed, based on manufacturing techniques. Marks from at least 16 non-circular punches were discovered and catalogued. Circular or oval marks were more difficult to categorise but as many as four different circular or oval punches were used to make marks on objects within one grave. Circular punches were mostly used to raise repousse bosses on sheet metal artefacts. Matches were seen between marks on objects from the same grave (for example pairs of brooches) but could not be proved between artefacts from different graves. Standards of punch application were variable.Punchmarks on museum collections of material from nearby, contemporary sites at Barrington and at Haslington were also examined. The double semi-circular punchmarks on this material were studied in detail and shown to be very varied in shape and size. No convincing punchmark matches could be made between artefacts, except those in pairs, demonstrating a large number of such tools were in use in this area.
- Report Number:
- 62/1996
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 62
- Keywords:
- Copper Alloy Technology
