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).

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.)