Non-destructive examination of spearheads from the cemetery in Końskie, the Końskie District

FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAE

From Studies on Ancient Arms and Armour Production Technology





FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAE From Studies on Ancient Arms

and Armour Production Technology

Fasciculus XXVI

ŁÓDŹ 2013

INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHNOLOGYOF POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCESŁÓDŹ BRANCH

FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAEFrom Studies on Ancient Arms


Fasciculus XXVI

FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAEFrom Studies on Ancient Arms


Fasciculus XXVI

FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAE EDITORIAL BOARD1, TYLNA STREET, 90-364 ŁÓDŹ, POLAND

Edited byJERZY MAIK

Secretary of the Editorial BoardKALINA SKÓRA

Editorial CommitteeSVEN EKDAHL (Berlin, Germany), JAN KLÁPŠTĚ (Praha, Čech Republik),

JAN SZYMCZAK (Łódź, Poland), WITOLD ŚWIĘTOSŁAWSKI (Łódź, Poland)

Cover design and layout byEMILIA WTORKIEWICZ-MAROSIK

Indexed in:ERIH – European Reference Index for the Humanities

IBZ – International Bibliography of Periodical Literature

© Copyright by Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii PAN, Warszawaand Polska Akademia Nauk, Oddział w Łodzi

Printed in PolandPL ISSN 0860-0007

Typesetting byPAWEŁ KOZIOROWSKI

IAE PAN

Printed by Ofi cyna Wydawniczo-Reklamowa „Sagalara”, Łódź 2013Edition copies: 300

This publication has been funded with support from the Polish Academy of Sciences

SVEN EKDAHL (Berlin, Germany), JAN KLÁPŠTĚ (Praha, Čech Republik), JAN SZYMCZAK (Łódź, Poland), WITOLD ŚWIĘTOSŁAWSKI (Łódź, Poland) JAN SZYMCZAK (Łódź, Poland), WITOLD ŚWIĘTOSŁAWSKI (Łódź, Poland)

EMILIA WTORKIEWICZ-MAROSIK

ERIH – European Reference Index for the HumanitiesIBZ – International Bibliography of Periodical Literature

ERIH – European Reference Index for the HumanitiesIBZ – International Bibliography of Periodical Literature

© Copyright by Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii PAN, Warszawaand Polska Akademia Nauk, Oddział w Łodzi

Printed in Poland

Printed by Ofi cyna Wydawniczo-Reklamowa „Sagalara”, Łódź 2013


FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAE EDITORIAL BOARD

Secretary of the Editorial Board

Editorial CommitteeSVEN EKDAHL (Berlin, Germany), JAN KLÁPŠTĚ (Praha, Čech Republik),

JAN SZYMCZAK (Łódź, Poland), WITOLD ŚWIĘTOSŁAWSKI (Łódź, Poland)

Cover design and layout byEMILIA WTORKIEWICZ-MAROSIK

Indexed in:ERIH – European Reference Index for the Humanities

IBZ – International Bibliography of Periodical Literature

© Copyright by Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii PAN, Warszawa


Professor Andrzej Zbierski (1926-2013)

Jerzy Maik Preface .........................................................................................................................................................................

Bartosz Kontny, Magdalena Natuniewicz-Sekuła Astonishing fi nds in a well-known site. Newly found spurs from Weklice (the Wielbark culture) .............................

Leszek Klimek, Tomasz Kurasiński, Kalina Skóra Metallographic analyses of military items from the Early Medieval inhumation cemetery in Radom, Site 4 .............

Artur Sierosławski, Władysław Weker Non-destructive examination of spearheads from the cemetery in Końskie, the Końskie District .............................

Tadeusz Grabarczyk, Olgierd Ławrynowicz Falchion and its technology in Poland (14th-16th centuries) .......................................................................................

Krzysztof Cackowski, Marek Kołyszko, Paweł Kucypera, Marcin Wiewióra Plates from Radzyń Chełmiński ...................................................................................................................................

Máté Varga Medieval fi rearm mouldings from Visegrád (Hungary) ...............................................................................................

Leszek Klimek, Janusz Stępiński, Piotr Strzyż, Grzegorz Żabiński Late medieval wrought iron fi rearms from the Museum in Biecz ...............................................................................

Piotr Czubla, Piotr Strzyż Rock materials in the manufacture of cannonballs in Poland – selected examples .....................................................

List of Authors .....................................................................................................................................................................

9

11

25

41

51

63

75

83

99

111

INDEX

Preface .........................................................................................................................................................................

Astonishing fi nds in a well-known site. Newly found spurs from Weklice (the Wielbark culture) .............................

Metallographic analyses of military items from the Early Medieval inhumation cemetery in Radom, Site 4 ............. Metallographic analyses of military items from the Early Medieval inhumation cemetery in Radom, Site 4 .............

Non-destructive examination of spearheads from the cemetery in Końskie, the Końskie District ............................. Non-destructive examination of spearheads from the cemetery in Końskie, the Końskie District .............................

Falchion and its technology in Poland (14th-16th centuries) ....................................................................................... Falchion and its technology in Poland (14th-16th centuries) .......................................................................................

Krzysztof Cackowski, Marek Kołyszko, Paweł Kucypera, Marcin Wiewióra Plates from Radzyń Chełmiński ................................................................................................................................... Plates from Radzyń Chełmiński ...................................................................................................................................

Medieval fi rearm mouldings from Visegrád (Hungary) ...............................................................................................


Rock materials in the manufacture of cannonballs in Poland – selected examples .....................................................

List of Authors .....................................................................................................................................................................

Preface .........................................................................................................................................................................

Astonishing fi nds in a well-known site. Newly found spurs from Weklice (the Wielbark culture) .............................

Metallographic analyses of military items from the Early Medieval inhumation cemetery in Radom, Site 4 .............

Non-destructive examination of spearheads from the cemetery in Końskie, the Końskie District .............................

Falchion and its technology in Poland (14th-16th centuries) .......................................................................................

Krzysztof Cackowski, Marek Kołyszko, Paweł Kucypera, Marcin Wiewióra Plates from Radzyń Chełmiński ...................................................................................................................................

Medieval fi rearm mouldings from Visegrád (Hungary) ...............................................................................................


Piotr Czubla, Piotr Strzyż Rock materials in the manufacture of cannonballs in Poland – selected examples .....................................................

List of Authors .....................................................................................................................................................................

FASCICULI ARCHAEOLOGIAE HISTORICAEFASC. XXVI, PL ISSN 0860-0007

JERZY MAIK

PREFACE

In archaeological literature, a steady growth has been observed for some time in the interest in specialized archae-ological find testing. Archaeologists have come to the con-clusion that further thorough studies into the past will be impossible or at least more difficult without the knowledge obtained from such tests.

Fasciculi Archaeologiae Historicae, fascicle XXVI, provides the reader with a selection of studies on recent ancient arms and armour production technology research. The first paper differs slightly from the following contri-butions. Firstly, it deals with the Roman period while the others are devoted to the weapons of the Middle Ages. Secondly, it discusses the examination of spurs, which can-not be considered part of arms and armour sensu stricto, but are a kind of equestrian equipment. Spurs, however, remain so closely related to the mounted warrior that including a paper devoted to them in the present publication should not create discord. I will say straight away that the tests performed led to surprising conclusions on the origin of the spurs examined and refer anyone interested in the subject to the article in question.

The three following papers, dealing with medieval offensive weapons, do not contain such spectacular analysis results. However, we are of the opinion that they will be used by other scholars in the course of future research.

The next article is devoted to the knight’s coat of plates. It discusses the tests which led to its reconstruction, the ornamentation included, and suggested that the find was of local provenance.

The three last contributions refer to firearms pro-duction. The first paper constitutes an introductory publication of a metallurgical workshop dating back to the beginning of the 15th century and discovered during the archaeological excavation conducted in Visegrád, Hun-gary, where barrels, most probably for handguns and long guns, had been cast. This discovery requires a number of

specialized tests and the paper in question only signals its appearance.

Specialized tests were performed in the case of two large heavy iron guns held in the museum in Biecz. The results show that both the finds may have been made locally.

The last paper deals with medieval stone cannonballs on the example of finds from Bolesławiec-on-Prosna, Chojnice, Człuchów and Puck. Although local materials were used to make the projectiles, the choice of them was not purely accidental.

We do not expect this limited selection of papers devoted to ancient arms and armour production technology to mark a turning point in the discussion of the subject mat-ter in question. However, if the present publication evokes interest among scholars – arms and armour researchers, archaeologists and historians – and demonstrates the hidden potentials of archaeological finds, we shall assume that the goals set here have been accomplished.

The fascicle you are holding in your hands has been dedicated to the late Professor Andrzej Zbierski, an archae-ologist and a historian, who had worked for many years at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Pol-ish Academy of Sciences in Łódź and Gdańsk to sub-sequently become the Director of the Central Maritime Museum in Gdańsk. Thanks to his master’s thesis, entitled Wczesnośredniowieczne górnictwo i hutnictwo w świetle materiałów z grodziska łęczyckiego, prepared under the supervision of Professor Konrad Jażdżewski and published in „Studia Wczesnośredniowieczne”, volume III, in 1955, Professor Andrzej Zbierski had become the forerunner of metal science research in Polish archaeology.

Łódź, October 2013

(translated by Zuzanna Poklewska-Parra)

specialized tests and the paper in question only signals specialized tests and the paper in question only signals


The last paper deals with medieval stone cannonballs

show that both the finds may have been made locally.

The last paper deals with medieval stone cannonballs on the example of finds from Bolesławiec-on-Prosna, Chojnice, Człuchów and Puck. Although local materials were used to make the projectiles, the choice of them was Chojnice, Człuchów and Puck. Although local materials were used to make the projectiles, the choice of them was not purely accidental.not purely accidental.

We do not expect this limited selection of papers devoted to ancient arms and armour production technology to mark a turning point in the discussion of the subject mat-ter in question. However, if the present publication evokes interest among scholars – arms and armour researchers,

to mark a turning point in the discussion of the subject mat-ter in question. However, if the present publication evokes interest among scholars – arms and armour researchers, archaeologists and historians – and demonstrates the hidden potentials of archaeological finds, we shall assume that the performed led to surprising conclusions on the origin of the

spurs examined and refer anyone interested in the subject to

The three following papers, dealing with medieval offensive weapons, do not contain such spectacular analysis results. However, we are of the opinion that they will be used by other scholars in the course of future research.by other scholars in the course of future research.

The next article is devoted to the knight’s coat of plates. It discusses the tests which led to its reconstruction,

The next article is devoted to the knight’s coat of plates. It discusses the tests which led to its reconstruction, the ornamentation included, and suggested that the find was

The three last contributions refer to firearms pro-duction. The first paper constitutes an introductory publication of a metallurgical workshop dating back to the beginning of the 15th century and discovered during the archaeological excavation conducted in Visegrád, Hun-gary, where barrels, most probably for handguns and long guns, had been cast. This discovery requires a number of gary, where barrels, most probably for handguns and long guns, had been cast. This discovery requires a number of

goals set here have been accomplished.

The fascicle you are holding in your hands has been dedicated to the late Professor Andrzej Zbierski, an archae-ologist and a historian, who had worked for many years

provides the reader with a selection of studies on recent ancient arms and armour production technology research. The first paper differs slightly from the following contri-butions. Firstly, it deals with the Roman period while the others are devoted to the weapons of the Middle Ages. Secondly, it discusses the examination of spurs, which can-not be considered part of arms and armour sensu stricto, but are a kind of equestrian equipment. Spurs, however, remain so closely related to the mounted warrior that including a paper devoted to them in the present publication should not create discord. I will say straight away that the tests performed led to surprising conclusions on the origin of the spurs examined and refer anyone interested in the subject to

The three following papers, dealing with medieval offensive weapons, do not contain such spectacular analysis results. However, we are of the opinion that they will be used by other scholars in the course of future research.

The next article is devoted to the knight’s coat of plates. It discusses the tests which led to its reconstruction, the ornamentation included, and suggested that the find was of local provenance.

The three last contributions refer to firearms pro-duction. The first paper constitutes an introductory publication of a metallurgical workshop dating back to the beginning of the 15the archaeological excavation conducted in Visegrád, Hun-gary, where barrels, most probably for handguns and long guns, had been cast. This discovery requires a number of

specialized tests and the paper in question only signals its appearance.


The last paper deals with medieval stone cannonballs on the example of finds from Bolesławiec-on-Prosna,

were used to make the projectiles, the choice of them was not purely accidental.


41

ARTUR SIEROSŁAWSKI, WŁADYSŁAW WEKER

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION OF SPEARHEADS FROM THE CEMETERY IN KOŃSKIE, THE KOŃSKIE DISTRICT

The research project of non-destructive examination of spearheads from the cemetery in Końskie is based on results of former metallographical research of spearheads found in the territories of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Baltic Republics, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. The main goal of the project was to test the possibility of non-destructive analysis of early medieval spearheads. By using these kinds of methods we can receive new data and do no damage to the artefacts. The first stage of the project was the macroscopic examination of the surfaces of the artefacts. The second stage involved X-ray photos of the artefacts. During the project we examined 7 out of 12 spearheads found during the excava-tions of the early medieval cemetery in Końskie. The arte-facts were singled out for the examination taking into consid-eration three criteria. The first was the presence of remains of ornamentations. The second, also very important, was the condition of artefact. The third was the archaeological con-text, that is, the grave goods inventory to which a given spear-head belonged. The selected spearheads came from graves which were furnished with grave goods to a different degree.

The cemetery in Końskie was accidentally found in April 1925 during the ground works for the Main Steam Locomotive Workshop. At the beginning the archaeologi-cal excavations were conducted by Ludwik Sawicki. After a few weeks, at the end of April, L. Sawicki handed over the excavations to Roman Jakimowicz. The history of the collection of the artefacts gained during the expedition was very tumultuous. Since 1928 it was in the State Archaeo-logical Museum in Warsaw. Then, during the German occupation of Poland 1939-1945, it was transferred to the Archaeological Museum in Poznań. There the artefacts, and of course many others, were used to barricade windows of the Museum when the German army was preparing for the defence of Poznań. Due to this, the finds were considerably mixed. Fortunately, thanks to the almost heroic work of J. Gąssowski, R. Jakimowicz and L. Sawicki, after the war the whole collection and documentation were put in order1. Today the collection of artefacts from Końskie is kept in the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw.

1 J. Gąssowski, Cmentarzysko w Końskich na tle zagadnie-nia południowej granicy Mazowsza we wczesnym średniowieczu, „Materiały Wczesnośredniowieczne”, Vol. II, 1950, p. 99.

The cemetery was situated on the top of a low gravel hill, which had to be levelled because of the planned devel-opment. Thanks to this the whole site was excavated2. 171 graves were found and documented altogether. Unfortu-nately, about 8 graves had been completely destroyed before archaeologists came to the site3. Based on the grave goods the cemetery was dated to between the mid-11th and the beginning of the 12th c.4 Spearheads were found in 9 male graves. Another 2 spearheads were in destroyed graves, but it is unknown whether they come from 2 different or only 1 grave.

As mentioned, the project consisted in macroscopic observations of the surface of the artefacts at small mag-nification and in making X-ray photos. The goal was to reveal differences of the construction of the spearheads. Comparing the results of our project with results of metal-lographic research of spearheads made in the past, it is pos-sible to reveal a lot of information about the technology of production of this kind of weapons. Furthermore, it is not necessary to take large samples for metallographic exami-nations. The results of long-lasting studies of J. Piaskowski demonstrate that some spearheads found in Poland were forge-welded of several pieces of iron, which were car-burised to a various degree. This technique was used to manufacture the spearheads found during the excavations of the cemetery in Lutomiersk in Graves 7, 9, 10, 16, 30, 55, 98, 106, and 1335 and the spearheads found at the cemetery in Buczek in Grave 26. On the other hand, the spearheads from the cemetery in Lutomiersk from Grave 13, the cem-etery in Buczek from Grave 6,7 the stronghold in Czerchów8,

2 Ibidem, p. 99.3 Ibidem, p. 157.4 Ibidem, p. 168.5 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wyrobów żela-

znych, [in:] A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski, Cmen-tarzysko z XI wieku w Lutomiersku pod Łodzią, Łódź 1959, pp. 118-120.

6 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-wiecznych wyrobów żelaznych na przykładzie zabytków arche-ologicznych z Łęczycy, Czerchowa i Buczka, „Studia z dziejów górnictwa i hutnictwa”, Vol. III, 1959, p. 92.

7 Ibidem, p. 92.8 Ibidem, p. 67.

FROM THE CEMETERY IN KOŃSKIE, THE KOŃSKIE DISTRICT

The cemetery was situated on the top of a low gravel The cemetery was situated on the top of a low gravel hill, which had to be levelled because of the planned devel-opment. Thanks to this the whole site was excavatedopment. Thanks to this the whole site was excavated171 graves were found and documented altogether. Unfortu-nately, about 8 graves had been completely destroyed before archaeologists came to the site3. Based on the grave goods the cemetery was dated to between the mid-11

Spearheads were found in 9 male

archaeologists came to the sitethe cemetery was dated to between the mid-11beginning of the 12 c. Spearheads were found in 9 male graves. Another 2 spearheads were in destroyed graves, but it is unknown whether they come from 2 different or but it is unknown whether they come from 2 different or

As mentioned, the project consisted in macroscopic observations of the surface of the artefacts at small mag-

As mentioned, the project consisted in macroscopic observations of the surface of the artefacts at small mag-nification and in making X-ray photos. The goal was to reveal differences of the construction of the spearheads. Comparing the results of our project with results of metal-lographic research of spearheads made in the past, it is pos-sible to reveal a lot of information about the technology of

Comparing the results of our project with results of metal-lographic research of spearheads made in the past, it is pos-sible to reveal a lot of information about the technology of production of this kind of weapons. Furthermore, it is not necessary to take large samples for metallographic exami-nations. The results of long-lasting studies of J. Piaskowski

which were furnished with grave goods to a different degree.The cemetery in Końskie was accidentally found in

April 1925 during the ground works for the Main Steam Locomotive Workshop. At the beginning the archaeologi-

nations. The results of long-lasting studies of J. Piaskowski demonstrate that some spearheads found in Poland were forge-welded of several pieces of iron, which were car-burised to a various degree. This technique was used to cal excavations were conducted by Ludwik Sawicki. After

a few weeks, at the end of April, L. Sawicki handed over the excavations to Roman Jakimowicz. The history of the collection of the artefacts gained during the expedition was very tumultuous. Since 1928 it was in the State Archaeo-collection of the artefacts gained during the expedition was very tumultuous. Since 1928 it was in the State Archaeo-logical Museum in Warsaw. Then, during the German occupation of Poland 1939-1945, it was transferred to the logical Museum in Warsaw. Then, during the German occupation of Poland 1939-1945, it was transferred to the Archaeological Museum in Poznań. There the artefacts, and of course many others, were used to barricade windows of the Museum when the German army was preparing for the defence of Poznań. Due to this, the finds were considerably mixed. Fortunately, thanks to the almost heroic work of J. Gąssowski, R. Jakimowicz and L. Sawicki, after the war the whole collection and documentation were put in orderToday the collection of artefacts from Końskie is kept in the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw.

J. Gąssowski, Cmentarzysko w Końskich na tle zagadnie-nia południowej granicy Mazowsza we wczesnym średniowieczu„Materiały Wczesnośredniowieczne”, Vol. II, 1950, p. 99.

manufacture the spearheads found during the excavations


NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION OF SPEARHEADS FROM THE CEMETERY IN KOŃSKIE, THE KOŃSKIE DISTRICT

artefacts. The first stage of the project was the macroscopic examination of the surfaces of the artefacts. The second stage involved X-ray photos of the artefacts. During the project we examined 7 out of 12 spearheads found during the excava-tions of the early medieval cemetery in Końskie. The arte-facts were singled out for the examination taking into consid-eration three criteria. The first was the presence of remains of ornamentations. The second, also very important, was the condition of artefact. The third was the archaeological con-text, that is, the grave goods inventory to which a given spear-head belonged. The selected spearheads came from graves which were furnished with grave goods to a different degree.

The cemetery in Końskie was accidentally found in April 1925 during the ground works for the Main Steam Locomotive Workshop. At the beginning the archaeologi-cal excavations were conducted by Ludwik Sawicki. After a few weeks, at the end of April, L. Sawicki handed over the excavations to Roman Jakimowicz. The history of the collection of the artefacts gained during the expedition was very tumultuous. Since 1928 it was in the State Archaeo-logical Museum in Warsaw. Then, during the German occupation of Poland 1939-1945, it was transferred to the Archaeological Museum in Poznań. There the artefacts, and of course many others, were used to barricade windows of the Museum when the German army was preparing for the defence of Poznań. Due to this, the finds were considerably mixed. Fortunately, thanks to the almost heroic work of J. Gąssowski, R. Jakimowicz and L. Sawicki, after the war the whole collection and documentation were put in orderToday the collection of artefacts from Końskie is kept in the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw.

The cemetery was situated on the top of a low gravel hill, which had to be levelled because of the planned devel-opment. Thanks to this the whole site was excavated171 graves were found and documented altogether. Unfortu-nately, about 8 graves had been completely destroyed before archaeologists came to the sitethe cemetery was dated to between the mid-11beginning of the 12graves. Another 2 spearheads were in destroyed graves,

only 1 grave.


42

and from „Castle Hill” in Sieradz9, were made from one piece of iron and then surface-carburised. In the case of the first technique, inclusions originating during the welding process gathered in the places of welding. These traces are well visible on the X-ray photos. Disturbances of the crystal structure of metal also demonstrate that the forge-welding technique was applied. The results of research conducted by J. Piaskowski, R. Pleiner10, A. Anteins11 and B. A. Kol-czin12 enabled us to identify techniques which were used

9 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośre-dniowiecznych wyrobów żelaznych i żużla z Sieradza, „Prace i Materiały Muzeum Archeologicznego i Etnografi cznego w Łodzi: seria archeologiczna”, Vol. 7, 1962, p. 231.

10 R. Pleiner, Iron in Archaeology. Early European Black-smiths, Praha 2006, p. 219.

11 A. Anteins, Damasskaâ stal, Riga 1973, pp. 64 – 124.12 B. A. Kolčin, Černaâ metallurgiâ i metalloobrabotka

v drevnej Rusi, Moskva 1953, pp. 139-140.

for manufacture of early medieval spearheads. Today we can identify the technique by using X-ray photos. Based on microhardness tests, we can establish which parts of the spearhead were made of harder (more carburised) iron, and which parts were made of softer iron. In addition, on the X-ray photo we can sometimes see the pattern which was created by blacksmiths during forge-welding of pieces of iron with different carbon content. With the use of these methods of analysis, we can examine a great number of artefacts doing them no harm, which is crucial for the pres-ervation of the archaeological heritage.

7 spearheads, which were examined, were found in 6 different graves. The furnishings of these graves were diversified; however, all these graves can be ranked as richer ones. In Grave 45, apart from the spearhead, the fol-lowing items were found: a temple ring made of bronze wire with an S-shaped loop, an iron knife in 2 pieces, a piece of leather and 2 pieces of wood. In Grave 52, apart from

Fig. 1. Spearhead from Grave 45: a) photo of the spearhead, b) X-ray photo of the spearhead c) X-ray photo of the spearhead with marked sings of decoration. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

a

b

c

0 6cm


, were made from one piece of iron and then surface-carburised. In the case of the first technique, inclusions originating during the welding

sings of decoration. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

piece of iron and then surface-carburised. In the case of the first technique, inclusions originating during the welding process gathered in the places of welding. These traces are well visible on the X-ray photos. Disturbances of the crystal well visible on the X-ray photos. Disturbances of the crystal structure of metal also demonstrate that the forge-welding technique was applied. The results of research conducted

, A. Anteins11 and B. A. Kol- enabled us to identify techniques which were used

Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośre-dniowiecznych wyrobów żelaznych i żużla z Sieradzai Materiały Muzeum Archeologicznego i Etnografi cznego w Łodzi: seria archeologiczna”, Vol. 7, 1962, p. 231.

Iron in Archaeology. Early European Black-w Łodzi: seria archeologiczna”, Vol. 7, 1962, p. 231.

Iron in Archaeology. Early European Black- Praha 2006, p. 219.

Damasskaâ stalB. A. Kolčin, Černaâ metallurgiâ i metalloobrabotka

, Moskva 1953, pp. 139-140.

and from „Castle Hill” in Sieradz9, were made from one piece of iron and then surface-carburised. In the case of the first technique, inclusions originating during the welding process gathered in the places of welding. These traces are well visible on the X-ray photos. Disturbances of the crystal structure of metal also demonstrate that the forge-welding technique was applied. The results of research conducted by J. Piaskowski, R. Pleiner

enabled us to identify techniques which were used

9 J. Piaskowski, dniowiecznych wyrobów żelaznych i żużla z Sieradzai Materiały Muzeum Archeologicznego i Etnografi cznego w Łodzi: seria archeologiczna”, Vol. 7, 1962, p. 231.

R. Pleiner,

Fig. 1. Spearhead from Grave 45: a) photo of the spearhead, b) X-ray photo of the spearhead c) X-ray photo of the spearhead with marked

6cm

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION OF SPEARHEADS FROM THE CEMETERY IN KOŃSKIE

43

the spearhead, there were 2 S-shaped temple rings made of bronze wire, 3 temple rings (round) made of silver wire, 2 iron knives and 4 pieces of unidentified iron objects. Grave 53, apart from the spearhead, also contained 2 pieces of an earring made of silver wire, glass beads (6 complete and 5 pieces), an iron knife, a lyre-shaped buckle made of bronze, 2 iron rings with 2 knobs each, and a double fire striker with a flint. Grave 78, apart from the spearhead, yielded an iron knife, pieces of bucket hoops made of iron and 2 slow wheel-made pottery vessels ornamented with horizontal grooves. In Grave 89, apart from the spearhead, there were pieces of an iron bucket handle. In Grave 170, apart from two spearheads, there were the following finds: an iron sword (Type Petersen X), an iron axe (Type Nadol-ski IVa), 2 iron spurs (Type Hilczerówna II/2), a whetstone, an iron bucket handle and iron bucket hoops.

The first of the examined spearheads was found in Grave 45. It belongs to Type V according to A. Nadolski.13 The blade has the shape of a willow leaf, and the section of the blade has the shape of a rhombus. The section of the socket is round. Measurements: total length – 31.9 cm; length of the blade – 21.9 cm; length of the socket – 10 cm; width of the blade – 2.5 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.5 cm; diameter of the socket – 2.4 cm (Fig. 1a). A line of forge-welding of different bars of iron can be seen on the X-ray photos. This line could indicate that originally on the surface of the blade there was an ornament of a wavy line,

13 A. Nadolski, Studia nad uzbrojeniem polskim w X, XI i XII wieku, Łódź 1954, p. 54.

Fig. 2. Javelin head from Grave 52: a) photo of the javelin head, b) X-ray photo of the javelin head. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

a

b

0 5cm

the spearhead, there were 2 S-shaped temple rings made the spearhead, there were 2 S-shaped temple rings made of bronze wire, 3 temple rings (round) made of silver wire, 2 iron knives and 4 pieces of unidentified iron objects. 2 iron knives and 4 pieces of unidentified iron objects. Grave 53, apart from the spearhead, also contained 2 pieces of an earring made of silver wire, glass beads (6 complete and 5 pieces), an iron knife, a lyre-shaped buckle made of bronze, 2 iron rings with 2 knobs each, and a double fire striker with a flint. Grave 78, apart from the spearhead, yielded an iron knife, pieces of bucket hoops made of iron and 2 slow wheel-made pottery vessels ornamented with horizontal grooves. In Grave 89, apart from the spearhead, there were pieces of an iron bucket handle. In Grave 170, apart from two spearheads, there were the following finds: there were pieces of an iron bucket handle. In Grave 170, apart from two spearheads, there were the following finds: an iron sword (Type Petersen X), an iron axe (Type Nadol-ski IVa), 2 iron spurs (Type Hilczerówna II/2), a whetstone, an iron bucket handle and iron bucket hoops.


the spearhead, there were 2 S-shaped temple rings made of bronze wire, 3 temple rings (round) made of silver wire, 2 iron knives and 4 pieces of unidentified iron objects. Grave 53, apart from the spearhead, also contained 2 pieces of an earring made of silver wire, glass beads (6 complete and 5 pieces), an iron knife, a lyre-shaped buckle made of bronze, 2 iron rings with 2 knobs each, and a double fire striker with a flint. Grave 78, apart from the spearhead, yielded an iron knife, pieces of bucket hoops made of iron and 2 slow wheel-made pottery vessels ornamented with horizontal grooves. In Grave 89, apart from the spearhead, there were pieces of an iron bucket handle. In Grave 170, apart from two spearheads, there were the following finds:



44

which separated the core of the blade and the welded-on edges (Fig. 1b-c).

The spearhead found in Grave 52 is the smallest of all the spearheads from this site. The blade widens strongly toward the socket and its section is rhomboid. Such spear-heads were classified as Type VII by Nadolski, and were defined as javelin heads.14 Due to the corrosion damage, the original length and the diameter of the socket are unknown. Measurements: total length – 9.2 cm (preserved); length of the blade – 6.2 cm; length of the socket – 3 cm (preserved); width of the blade – 2.1 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.5 cm; diameter of the socket – 1.6 cm (Fig. 2a). The X-ray photos

14 Ibidem, p. 56.

did not reveal any signs of disturbance in the internal metal structure (Fig. 2b). Because of that we can suppose that this javelin head was made of one piece of iron.

The spearhead found in Grave 53 also has a willow leaf-shaped blade of considerable length and a rhomboid section. The section of the socket is round. This find can be classified as Type V according to A. Nadolski. Measure-ments: total length – 28.3 cm; length of the blade – 18.3 cm; length of the socket – 10 cm; width of the blade – 3.3 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.6 cm; diameter of the socket – 3 cm (Fig. 3a). On the X-ray photo we can see disconti-nuities in the structure of metal. This demonstrates that the artefact was made by forge-welding. In the core of the blade there are traces of fibres or inserts, onto which the edges were forge-welded (Fig. 3b-c).


a

b

c

0 5cm


which separated the core of the blade and the welded-on

sings of decoration. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

The spearhead found in Grave 52 is the smallest of all the spearheads from this site. The blade widens strongly toward the socket and its section is rhomboid. Such spear-heads were classified as Type VII by Nadolski, and were

Due to the corrosion damage, the original length and the diameter of the socket are unknown. Measurements: total length – 9.2 cm (preserved); length of the blade – 6.2 cm; length of the socket – 3 cm (preserved); width of the blade – 2.1 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.5 cm; diameter of the socket – 1.6 cm (Fig. 2a). The X-ray photos width of the blade – 2.1 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.5 cm; diameter of the socket – 1.6 cm (Fig. 2a). The X-ray photos

5cm

which separated the core of the blade and the welded-on edges (Fig. 1b-c).

The spearhead found in Grave 52 is the smallest of all the spearheads from this site. The blade widens strongly toward the socket and its section is rhomboid. Such spear-heads were classified as Type VII by Nadolski, and were defined as javelin heads.original length and the diameter of the socket are unknown. Measurements: total length – 9.2 cm (preserved); length of the blade – 6.2 cm; length of the socket – 3 cm (preserved); width of the blade – 2.1 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.5 cm; diameter of the socket – 1.6 cm (Fig. 2a). The X-ray photos



45

The spearhead from Grave 78 is very similar to those from Graves 45 and 53, but the entire artefact is little more massive. It can also be classified as Type V according to A. Nadolski. The section of the socket is round and it widens toward its mouth, analogously to most finds of early medi-eval spearheads from the territory of Poland. The end of the socket is damaged, therefore we do not know the original size of its diameter. Measurements: total length – 27.5 cm; length of the blade – 18.5 cm; length of the socket – 9 cm; width of the blade – 3.3 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.65 cm; diameter of the socket – missing data (Fig. 4a). On the X-ray photos we can see two dark lines, which are parallel to the axis of the spearhead. These can be interpreted as an effect of an intentional procedure (forge-welding) or as traces of the laminar structure of metal which originated in result of repeated forging of one piece of iron (Fig. 4b).

The spearhead found in Grave 89 is shorter and wider than other spearheads from this site. It is almost two times shorter and its broader blade is heart-shaped. This spear-head could be classified as Type IV according to A. Nad-olski. It should be mentioned that at Końskie only 2 spear-heads of that type were found. Measurements: total length – 18.5 cm; length of the blade – 11.8 cm; length of the socket – 6.7 cm; width of the blade – 4.8 cm (preserved); thick-ness of the blade – 0.4 cm; diameter of the socket – 2.6 cm. On the surface of the blade there are two pairs of “golden” lines. They are parallel to the edges, so the ornament looks like two letters “V” – the smaller one is within the bigger one (Fig. 5a). The X-ray photos clearly show that the spear-head was forge-welded. The lines of welds overlap with the

lines which are visible on the surface. With a closer look we can see on the X-ray photos that the internal structure of those lines is slightly different than the structure of the rest of the blade (Fig. 5b-c).

In Grave 170 two spearheads were found. Their blades are willow leaf-shaped, but slightly wider near the sockets than in other finds from this cemetery. Due to this, they are almost deltoid. The sections of the blades are rhomboid while the sections of the sockets are round. Both spearheads are classified as Type V according to A. Nadolski. The mea-surements of the first item are: total length – 28.1 cm; length of the blade – 18.1 cm; length of the socket – 10 cm; width of the blade – 3.9 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.7 cm; diameter of the socket – 2.4 cm (Fig. 6a). The measure-ments of second spearhead are: total length – 30 cm; length of the blade – 16.4 cm; length of the socket – 13.6 cm; width of the blade – 3.1 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.5 cm; diam-eter of the socket – 2.1 cm (Fig. 7a). The X-ray photos did not reveal any traces of discontinuities in the internal metal structure. We can therefore suppose that those spearheads were made of one piece of iron each (Fig. 6b and 7b).

Research of J. Piaskowski demonstrates that blades of spearheads which were forged from one piece of iron were carburised either on the whole surface15 or only near the edges, like in case of the spearhead from the stronghold in Czerchów. 16 This procedure was intended to improve the

15 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wyrobów…, p. 118.16 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-

wiecznych wyrobów…, p. 68.

Fig. 4. Spearhead from Grave 78: a) photo of the spearhead, b) X-ray photo of the spearhead. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

a

b

0 5cm


lines which are visible on the surface. With a closer look


lines which are visible on the surface. With a closer look we can see on the X-ray photos that the internal structure of those lines is slightly different than the structure of the rest of the blade (Fig. 5b-c).

In Grave 170 two spearheads were found. Their blades


of the blade (Fig. 5b-c).In Grave 170 two spearheads were found. Their blades

are willow leaf-shaped, but slightly wider near the sockets than in other finds from this cemetery. Due to this, they are almost deltoid. The sections of the blades are rhomboid while the sections of the sockets are round. Both spearheads

size of its diameter. Measurements: total length – 27.5 cm; length of the blade – 18.5 cm; length of the socket – 9 cm; width of the blade – 3.3 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.65 cm; diameter of the socket – missing data (Fig. 4a). On the X-ray

while the sections of the sockets are round. Both spearheads are classified as Type V according to A. Nadolski. The mea-surements of the first item are: total length – 28.1 cm; length of the blade – 18.1 cm; length of the socket – 10 cm;

diameter of the socket – missing data (Fig. 4a). On the X-ray photos we can see two dark lines, which are parallel to the axis of the spearhead. These can be interpreted as an effect of an intentional procedure (forge-welding) or as traces of the laminar structure of metal which originated in result of an intentional procedure (forge-welding) or as traces of the laminar structure of metal which originated in result of repeated forging of one piece of iron (Fig. 4b).

The spearhead found in Grave 89 is shorter and wider The spearhead found in Grave 89 is shorter and wider than other spearheads from this site. It is almost two times shorter and its broader blade is heart-shaped. This spear-head could be classified as Type IV according to A. Nad-olski. It should be mentioned that at Końskie only 2 spear-heads of that type were found. Measurements: total length – 18.5 cm; length of the blade – 11.8 cm; length of the socket – 6.7 cm; width of the blade – 4.8 cm (preserved); thick-ness of the blade – 0.4 cm; diameter of the socket – 2.6 cm. On the surface of the blade there are two pairs of “golden” lines. They are parallel to the edges, so the ornament looks On the surface of the blade there are two pairs of “golden” lines. They are parallel to the edges, so the ornament looks like two letters “V” – the smaller one is within the bigger one (Fig. 5a). The X-ray photos clearly show that the spear-head was forge-welded. The lines of welds overlap with the

5cm

The spearhead from Grave 78 is very similar to those from Graves 45 and 53, but the entire artefact is little more massive. It can also be classified as Type V according to A. Nadolski. The section of the socket is round and it widens toward its mouth, analogously to most finds of early medi-eval spearheads from the territory of Poland. The end of the socket is damaged, therefore we do not know the original size of its diameter. Measurements: total length – 27.5 cm; length of the blade – 18.5 cm; length of the socket – 9 cm; width of the blade – 3.3 cm; thickness of the blade – 0.65 cm; diameter of the socket – missing data (Fig. 4a). On the X-ray photos we can see two dark lines, which are parallel to the axis of the spearhead. These can be interpreted as an effect of an intentional procedure (forge-welding) or as traces of the laminar structure of metal which originated in result of repeated forging of one piece of iron (Fig. 4b).

The spearhead found in Grave 89 is shorter and wider than other spearheads from this site. It is almost two times shorter and its broader blade is heart-shaped. This spear-head could be classified as Type IV according to A. Nad-olski. It should be mentioned that at Końskie only 2 spear-heads of that type were found. Measurements: total length – 18.5 cm; length of the blade – 11.8 cm; length of the socket – 6.7 cm; width of the blade – 4.8 cm (preserved); thick-ness of the blade – 0.4 cm; diameter of the socket – 2.6 cm. On the surface of the blade there are two pairs of “golden” lines. They are parallel to the edges, so the ornament looks


0


46


a

b

c

0 5cm


c


47

Fig. 6. First spearhead from Grave 170: a) photo of the spearhead, b) X-ray photo of the spearhead. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

Fig. 7. Second spearhead from Grave 170: a) photo of the spearhead, b) X-ray photo of the spearhead. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

a

b

a

b

0 5cm

0 5cm


Fig. 7. Second spearhead from Grave 170: a) photo of the spearhead, b) X-ray photo of the spearhead. Photo: A.Sierosławski, W. Weker.

5cm


b


48

functional properties of the spearhead, especially the hard-ness and sharpness of the edges. The technique of forge-welding was used for the same reason, but also to decorate the blade, as it can be seen in the case of the spearheads from Graves 89, 45, and 53. The X-ray photos of the find from Grave 53 reveal very interesting pieces of information. On one side of the blade we can see a wavy line and two dark triangular spots (Fig. 3c). Those triangles are a continuation of the wavy line. On the other side of the blade we have a similar situation. It is very probable that this spearhead was decorated with two serrated lines, which went along about 2/3 of the length of the blade and then converged toward its tip. This kind of ornament was quite popular in the Baltic Sea region and was classified by A. Anteins as Type IV.17 The spearhead from Grave 45 was probably decorated in the same way, but on the X-ray photos the traces of decoration are visible only on one side of the blade (Fig. 1c).

As J. Piaskowski recounts, in western Russia spearheads made of one piece of iron are very rare18. So was this tech-nique also used in the state of the Piasts? An argument for this possibility is that the head of the javelin from Grave 52 was made with this technique. Javelins, as thrown weapons, so by definition one time use, were usually made locally. However, we cannot be a hundred percent sure about the function of this weapon, because it was found in grave of a teenage boy. So this weapon can be in fact a smaller ver-sion of a spear, which was used for practicing or it could be especially made for the funeral as a grave good19. We have to recall spearheads found at the cemetery in Lutomiersk, the Pabianice District20. Out of 25 finds of spearheads, 12 were examined21. It turned out that only one of them was made of one piece of iron22. This is why it was considered to be a pos-sible import (from Rus?)23.

Out of the mentioned spearheads from Buczek, Czer-chów and Castle Hill in Sieradz only the spearhead found in Grave 2 in Buczek was made by forge-welding technique24. The remaining ones were made from single pieces of iron25.

17 A. Anteins, op. cit., p. 65, 66.18 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-

wiecznych wyrobów…, p. 68.19 More about this issue in T. Kurasiński, Militaria jako ele-

ment wyposażenia wczesnośredniowiecznych pochówków dzie-cięcych – próba interpretacji na przykładzie znalezisk z ziem pol-skich, „Archeologia Polski”, Vol. LIV/2, 2009, but this suggestion concerned smaller versions of axes.

20 The end of use of this cemetery is dated to the same time when the cemetery in Końskie commenced to be used, that is, in the mid-11th c. Apart from that, these two cemeteries are similar in many respects (J. Gąssowski, op. cit., pp. 160, 161, 162, 168).

21 A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski, op. cit., p. 56.22 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wyrobów…,

pp. 118-120.23 A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski, op. cit., p. 56.24 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-

wiecznych wyrobów…, p. 92.25 Ibidem, p. 67, 91; J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania

wczesnośredniowiecznych wyrobów żelaznych i żużla…, p. 231

It should be mentioned that the find from Grave 2 in Buczek is classified as Type I according to A. Nadolski, which is very rare in Poland26.

While analysing the technology of spearhead manufac-ture in early medieval Poland one has to take into consid-eration the research of Radomir Pleiner. In his work about blacksmith techniques in Great Moravia he publishes results of examination of 3 spearheads.27 In his opinion 2 of them were made of a single piece of iron. The construction of the third find was more complicated. The tip of the blade was made of soft steel, then there was a band of high carbon steel (0.5-0.7% C). The cutting edges were made of low carbon iron bands28. Research of early medieval spearheads from Bohemia was also carried out by J. Hošek. The results dem-onstrate that in early medieval Bohemia spearheads were made both of single piece of iron and by forge-welding tech-nique29. Unfortunately, we do not know anything about the ornaments, which were made this way. More information about decoration of the blades made by using the forge-weld-ing technique is available for the Baltic Sea region. In this territory, more than 380 spearheads ornamented in this way have been found.30 There were 12 different groups of orna-ments among finds from Lithuania alone.31 Such a decorated spearhead was also found in Haithabu32.

A thorough analysis of presented data causes many doubts concerning techniques which were used by black-smiths in early medieval Poland. Out of 23 examined spear-heads only 8 were made of single piece of iron. One of them was the spearhead from Grave 13 in Lutomiersk, which was interpreted as an import. We can therefore suppose that spearheads made this way were imported to Poland. How-ever, at Końskie more than 50% of examined spearheads were made with this technique. Furthermore, one of them was the head of the javelin from Grave 52. It was not a luxu-rious weapon and it could be even a hunting weapon, so less valuable than a weapon of war. The doubts concerning techniques which were used in Poland in the 10th and 11th c., including possible regional differences can be clarified only via a coherent research project on early medieval spearheads from the entire territory of Poland.

26 J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-wiecznych wyrobów…, p. 92.

27 R. Pleiner Die Technologie des Schmiedes in der Groβmährischen Kultur, „Slovenská Archeológia”, Vol. XV/1, 1967, p. 77.

28 Ibidem, p. 90.29 J. Hošek, Metalografi e ve službách archeologie, Praha

2003, p. 126.30 A. Anteins, op. cit., p. 66.31 A. Anteins, Melnais metāls Latvijā, Riga 1976, p. 57,

fi g. 65.32 R. Pleiner, Iron..., p. 219, 376; R. Thomsen, Metallograf-

ische Untersuchung einer wikingerzeitlichen Lanzenspitze aus Haithabu, „Berichte über die Ausgrabungen in Haithabu”, Vol. 5, 1971, pp. 78-79.

ture in early medieval Poland one has to take into consid-eration the research of Radomir Pleiner. In his work about blacksmith techniques in Great Moravia he publishes results

In his opinion 2 of them were made of a single piece of iron. The construction of the

In his opinion 2 of them were made of a single piece of iron. The construction of the were made of a single piece of iron. The construction of the third find was more complicated. The tip of the blade was made of soft steel, then there was a band of high carbon steel (0.5-0.7% C). The cutting edges were made of low carbon

. Research of early medieval spearheads from

made of soft steel, then there was a band of high carbon steel (0.5-0.7% C). The cutting edges were made of low carbon

. Research of early medieval spearheads from Bohemia was also carried out by J. Hošek. The results dem-onstrate that in early medieval Bohemia spearheads were made both of single piece of iron and by forge-welding tech-made both of single piece of iron and by forge-welding tech-

. Unfortunately, we do not know anything about the ornaments, which were made this way. More information about decoration of the blades made by using the forge-weld-ing technique is available for the Baltic Sea region. In this

ornaments, which were made this way. More information about decoration of the blades made by using the forge-weld-ing technique is available for the Baltic Sea region. In this territory, more than 380 spearheads ornamented in this way

30 There were 12 different groups of orna-ments among finds from Lithuania alone.spearhead was also found in Haithabuments among finds from Lithuania alone.spearhead was also found in Haithabu

A thorough analysis of presented data causes many doubts concerning techniques which were used by black-

spearhead was also found in HaithabuA thorough analysis of presented data causes many

doubts concerning techniques which were used by black-smiths in early medieval Poland. Out of 23 examined spear-heads only 8 were made of single piece of iron. One of them was the spearhead from Grave 13 in Lutomiersk, which was interpreted as an import. We can therefore suppose that was the spearhead from Grave 13 in Lutomiersk, which was interpreted as an import. We can therefore suppose that spearheads made this way were imported to Poland. How-ever, at Końskie more than 50% of examined spearheads were made with this technique. Furthermore, one of them was the head of the javelin from Grave 52. It was not a luxu-Out of the mentioned spearheads from Buczek, Czer-

chów and Castle Hill in Sieradz only the spearhead found in Grave 2 in Buczek was made by forge-welding technique24

were made with this technique. Furthermore, one of them was the head of the javelin from Grave 52. It was not a luxu-rious weapon and it could be even a hunting weapon, so less valuable than a weapon of war. The doubts concerning Grave 2 in Buczek was made by forge-welding technique

The remaining ones were made from single pieces of iron25.

Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-

Militaria jako ele-ment wyposażenia wczesnośredniowiecznych pochówków dzie-

More about this issue in T. Kurasiński, Militaria jako ele-ment wyposażenia wczesnośredniowiecznych pochówków dzie-cięcych – próba interpretacji na przykładzie znalezisk z ziem pol-

, „Archeologia Polski”, Vol. LIV/2, 2009, but this suggestion

The end of use of this cemetery is dated to the same time when the cemetery in Końskie commenced to be used, that is, in

c. Apart from that, these two cemeteries are similar in many respects (J. Gąssowski, op. cit., pp. 160, 161, 162, 168).

A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski, Metaloznawcze badania wyrob

A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski,A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski,J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesno

w…, p. 92., p. 67, 91; J. Piaskowski,

wczesnośredniowiecznych wyrobów żelaznych i żużla…

techniques which were used in Poland in the 10

this possibility is that the head of the javelin from Grave 52 was made with this technique. Javelins, as thrown weapons, so by definition one time use, were usually made locally. However, we cannot be a hundred percent sure about the function of this weapon, because it was found in grave of a teenage boy. So this weapon can be in fact a smaller ver-sion of a spear, which was used for practicing or it could be especially made for the funeral as a grave good19. We have to recall spearheads found at the cemetery in Lutomiersk, the

. Out of 25 finds of spearheads, 12 were . It turned out that only one of them was made of

. This is why it was considered to be a pos-

Out of the mentioned spearheads from Buczek, Czer-chów and Castle Hill in Sieradz only the spearhead found in Grave 2 in Buczek was made by forge-welding techniqueThe remaining ones were made from single pieces of iron

op. cit.J. Piaskowski, Metaloznawcze badania wczesnośrednio-

wiecznych wyrobów…, p. 68.More about this issue in T. Kurasiński,

ment wyposażenia wczesnośredniowiecznych pochówków dzie-cięcych – próba interpretacji na przykładzie znalezisk z ziem pol-

, „Archeologia Polski”, Vol. LIV/2, 2009, but this suggestion concerned smaller versions of axes.

The end of use of this cemetery is dated to the same time when the cemetery in Końskie commenced to be used, that is, in the mid-11th c. Apart from that, these two cemeteries are similar in many respects (J. Gąssowski,

21 A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski, 22 J. Piaskowski,

pp. 118-120.A. Nadolski, A. Abramowicz, T. Poklewski,

It should be mentioned that the find from Grave 2 in Buczek is classified as Type I according to A. Nadolski, which is

While analysing the technology of spearhead manufac-ture in early medieval Poland one has to take into consid-eration the research of Radomir Pleiner. In his work about blacksmith techniques in Great Moravia he publishes results of examination of 3 spearheads.27 In his opinion 2 of them were made of a single piece of iron. The construction of the third find was more complicated. The tip of the blade was made of soft steel, then there was a band of high carbon steel (0.5-0.7% C). The cutting edges were made of low carbon iron bands . Research of early medieval spearheads from Bohemia was also carried out by J. Hošek. The results dem-onstrate that in early medieval Bohemia spearheads were made both of single piece of iron and by forge-welding tech-nique29. Unfortunately, we do not know anything about the ornaments, which were made this way. More information about decoration of the blades made by using the forge-weld-ing technique is available for the Baltic Sea region. In this territory, more than 380 spearheads ornamented in this way

ments among finds from Lithuania alone.spearhead was also found in Haithabu


49

Streszczenie

Nieinwazyjne badania grotów włóczni z cmentarzyska w Końskich, pow. Konecki

W artykule zaprezentowane zostały wyniki badań grotów włóczni odkrytych na cmentarzysku w Końskich, pow. konecki. Uwagę zwrócono na problem możliwości rozpoznania cech konstrukcyjnych tej kategorii oręża przy użyciu nieniszczących metod analitycznych. Uzyskane wyniki odniesiono do rezultatów dotychczas przeprow-adzonych badań metaloznawczych tej kategorii zabytków,

pochodzących z terenów Polski, Czech, Słowacji, Białorusi, Ukrainy i Rosji.

Po obserwacji powierzchni grotów włóczni pod niew-ielkim powiększeniem, przeprowadzono badania rentgeno-graficzne zabytków. W sumie do badań wytypowanych zostało 7 z 12 odkrytych na cmentarzysku okazów. W gru-pie tej udało się rozpoznać trzy groty wykonane techniką zgrzewania, pozwalającą uzyskać efekt ozdobienia ich liści.

pochodzących z terenów Polski, Czech, Słowacji, Białorusi,

Po obserwacji powierzchni grotów włóczni pod niew-ielkim powiększeniem, przeprowadzono badania rentgeno-graficzne zabytków. W sumie do badań wytypowanych ielkim powiększeniem, przeprowadzono badania rentgeno-graficzne zabytków. W sumie do badań wytypowanych zostało 7 z 12 odkrytych na cmentarzysku okazów. W gru-pie tej udało się rozpoznać trzy groty wykonane techniką pie tej udało się rozpoznać trzy groty wykonane techniką zgrzewania, pozwalającą uzyskać efekt ozdobienia ich liści.

Nieinwazyjne badania grotów włóczni z cmentarzyska w Końskich, pow. Konecki

pochodzących z terenów Polski, Czech, Słowacji, Białorusi,

Po obserwacji powierzchni grotów włóczni pod niew-ielkim powiększeniem, przeprowadzono badania rentgeno-graficzne zabytków. W sumie do badań wytypowanych zostało 7 z 12 odkrytych na cmentarzysku okazów. W gru-pie tej udało się rozpoznać trzy groty wykonane techniką zgrzewania, pozwalającą uzyskać efekt ozdobienia ich liści.


111

KRZYSZTOF CACKOWSKIInstitute of ArchaeologyNicolaus Copernicus University, ToruńSzosa Bydgoska 44/48Pl-87-100 Toruń[email protected]

PIOTR CZUBLAFaculty of Geographical Sciencesof the University of ŁódźLaboratory of GeologyNarutowicza 88 Pl-90-139 Łódź[email protected]

TADEUSZ GRABARCZYKInstitute of History of the University of ŁódźA. Kamińskiego 27aPL-90-219 Łódź[email protected]

LESZEK KLIMEKInstitute of Materials Science and EngineeringLodz University of TechnologyStefanowskiego 1/15Pl-90-924 Łódź[email protected]

MAREK KOŁYSZKOInstitute of ArchaeologyNicolaus Copernicus University, ToruńSzosa Bydgoska 44/48PL-87-100 Toruń[email protected] BARTOSZ KONTNYInstitute of Archaeology of University of WarsawKrakowskie Przedmieście 26/28Pl-00-927 [email protected] PAWEŁ KUCYPERAInstitute of ArchaeologyNicolaus Copernicus UniversitySzosa Bydgoska 44/48Pl-87-100 Toruń[email protected]

TOMASZ KURASIŃSKIInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Polish Academy of Sciences Tylna 1Pl-90-364 Łódź[email protected]

OLGIERD ŁAWRYNOWICZInstitute of Archaeology of the University of ŁódźUniwersytecka 3Pl-90-137 Łódź[email protected]

MAGDALENA NATUNIEWICZ-SEKUŁAInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Polish Academy of SciencesAl. Solidarności 105Pl-00-140 [email protected][email protected]

ARTUR SIEROSŁAWSKIState Archaeological Museum in WarsawDługa 52Pl- 00-241 [email protected]

KALINA SKÓRAInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Polish Academy of Sciences Tylna 1Pl-90-364 Łódź[email protected]

JANUSZ STĘPIŃSKIAGH University of Science and TechnologyFaculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer ScienceAl. Mickiewicza 30Pl-30-059 Krakó[email protected]

PIOTR STRZYŻInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Polish Academy of Sciences Tylna 1Pl-90-364 Łódź[email protected]

LIST OF AUTHORS:

Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology

OLGIERD ŁAWRYNOWICZInstitute of Archaeology of the University of ŁódźInstitute of Archaeology of the University of Łódź

[email protected]@uni.lodz.pl

MAGDALENA NATUNIEWICZ-SEKUŁAInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Polish Academy of SciencesInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Polish Academy of SciencesAl. Solidarności 105Pl-00-140 [email protected]

Al. Solidarności 105Pl-00-140 [email protected][email protected]

ARTUR SIEROSŁAWSKIState Archaeological Museum in WarsawARTUR SIEROSŁAWSKIState Archaeological Museum in WarsawDługa 52Długa 52Pl- 00-241 [email protected]

Institute of Archaeology of University of Warsaw

[email protected]

PAWEŁ KUCYPERAInstitute of ArchaeologyNicolaus Copernicus UniversityNicolaus Copernicus UniversitySzosa Bydgoska 44/48Pl-87-100 Toruń[email protected]

KALINA SKÓRA

Institute of Materials Science and EngineeringLodz University of Technology

MAREK KOŁYSZKOInstitute of ArchaeologyNicolaus Copernicus University, ToruńSzosa Bydgoska 44/48PL-87-100 Toruń[email protected]

BARTOSZ KONTNYInstitute of Archaeology of University of WarsawKrakowskie Przedmieście 26/28Pl-00-927 [email protected]

PAWEŁ KUCYPERAInstitute of ArchaeologyNicolaus Copernicus UniversitySzosa Bydgoska 44/48

TOMASZ KURASIŃSKIInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Polish Academy of Sciences

Pl-90-364 Łódź[email protected]

OLGIERD ŁAWRYNOWICZInstitute of Archaeology of the University of ŁódźUniwersytecka 3Pl-90-137 Łódź[email protected]

MAGDALENA NATUNIEWICZ-SEKUŁA

112

MÁTÉ VARGARippl-Rónai Múzeum H-7400 Kaposvár, Fő u. [email protected]

WŁADYSŁAW WEKERState Archaeological Museum in WarsawDługa 52Pl- 00-241 [email protected]

MARCIN WIEWIÓRAInstitute of ArchaeologyNicolaus Copernicus University, ToruńSzosa Bydgoska 44/48Pl-87-100 Toruń[email protected]

GRZEGORZ ŻABIŃSKIAcademy of Jan DługoszInstitute of HistoryArmii Krajowej 36aPl-42-200 CzęstochowaArcheo-LogosMieszka I 30Pl-41-106 Siemianowice Ślą[email protected]

Pl-42-200 Częstochowa

Pl-41-106 Siemianowice Ślą[email protected]

Non-destructive examination of spearheads from the cemetery in Końskie, the Końskie District

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