essay

An examination of the structure of copper bells

Excavations at Snaketown, Harold S. Gladwin, Emil W. Haury, E. B. Sayles, Nora Gladwin (25) • Published In 1965 • Pages: 278-281

By: McLeod, B. H..

Abstract
This is a technical report on the structure of copper bells found in southwestern United States. McLeod believed that the early civilizations in the area did not have the technical knowledge to make casting 1.5 mm thick, the average thickness of the resonator of a bell, without hammering the castings to the requred thinness. A microscopic examination of the structure of the metal was then undertaken, based on samples of six bells from the ruin at Gila Pueblo. This examination,. acording to the author, would prove conclusively whether or not the bells had been cast or hammered into shape. After a detailed exposition on the process of copper casting McLeod was forced to accept the fact that the bells were indeed made by direct castings. In conclusion he says 'there is no doubt now in my mind that the bells werre mde from molten copper, and one can only admire the patience and the technique that was required to develop any process that would give as perfect a product as is represented by some of the bells which have been found' (p. 281).
Subjects
Laboratory analysis of materials other than dating methods in archaeology
Metallurgy
Experimental data
tradition
Hohokam
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Technical Personnel
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 2009
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
southwestern United States
Notes
By B. H. McLeod
LCCN
65023304
LCSH
Hohokam culture
Excavations (Archaeology)--Arizona--Snaketown
Snaketown Site (Ariz.)