engleski

Analysis of archaeometallurgical finds from a late- to post-medieval foundry in Dubrovnik, Croatia

This paper outlines the results of an archaeometallurgical study of the remains of a well-preserved late- to post-medieval foundry excavated in 2005 and 2008 in the north-west corner of Dubrovnik’s historic centre. During this period Dubrovnik constituted the independent Republic of Ragusa, and was famed for its wealth and democracy. The building of the foundry, in the mid 15th century, marks a significant period of change and represents a phase where industrial activity within the city was beginning to flourish. Following a presentation of the excavated structures and their functional interpretation, we will focus on the results of a multi-technique analytical approach to materials such as crucibles, casting spillage and slag, which aimed to determine the processes that were taking place at the foundry and integrate these with historical research on the extensive trading sphere of the Republic. Results show the use of graphitic crucibles imported from Bavaria and sand casting to produce a range of objects in leaded tin bronze – but there is evidence that ferrous metallurgy also took place. The preliminary historical and analytical data suggest that the foundry was sourcing its supplies from Bavaria, Southern Italy and the Balkan hinterland. Evidence also suggests that the castings were exported across the Mediterranean. These results show the extensive commercial relationships that the Republic established, including one previously unknown relationship with Bavaria, and the extent to which it was importing raw materials and manufactured goods. This research has provided an interesting insight into a foundry operating during the late- to post medieval period. It complements and builds upon our understanding of the processes described by contemporary authors, and adds to our growing knowledge of the production and trade of crucibles, and sand-casting methods, in this period.

archaeometallurgy ; Dubrovnik ; ferrous metallurgy ; graphite crucibles ; late-to post-medieval foundry ; leaded-tin-bronze ; send-casting methods

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