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.)