Confounding the conquistadors: tumbaga's spurious luster
Article Abstract:
Mesoamerican cultures used a gold-copper alloy called 'tumbaga' to coat the ornaments that were left to adorn the burial chambers of local chiefs. Using a technology called depletion gilding, skilled metalsmiths of ancient times crafted filigree jewelry and chest plaques by heating ornaments to give them a coating of copper oxide before pickling the pieces in an acidic plant juice to create 'tumbaga.' Research on furnishings from a burial site in Sitio Conte, Panama, shows that the degree of preservation of these pieces is linked to the mix of gold, copper and silver used by ancient metalsmiths.
Publication Name: Expedition
Subject: Anthropology/archeology/folklore
ISSN: 0014-4738
Year: 1999
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Late Roman glass at the University of Pennsylvania Museum: a photo essay
Article Abstract:
Photographs of different late Roman glasswares with historical accounts describing their elegance and relevance are presented. These collectible glasswares are presently exhibited in the museum of the University of Pennsylvania. Distinctive characteristics can be seen from every item which imply that a significant evolution involving the Roman glassmaking industry occurred from the 1st century and onwards.
Publication Name: Expedition
Subject: Anthropology/archeology/folklore
ISSN: 0014-4738
Year: 1997
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