Gold and silver technological traditions in San Pedro de Atacama (northern Chile), during the Middle Period (AD 400-1000)
This project investigates gold and silver technologies in San Pedro de Atacama (northern Chile), a strategic node in the South Central Andes during the Middle Period (AD 400-1000). Nearly 200 gold and silver personal ornaments and ritual objects have been recovered as grave goods from cemeteries at San Pedro dated to this period. The aim of this research is to reconstruct the biographies of 140 gold and silver objects made of hammered sheets, considering their production, use and particular contexts to understand their technology and role within the San Pedro society. This research is driven by the conceptual frameworks of chaiÌne opeÌratoire and artefact life-histories, and supported by the materials science analyses of finished objects. The analytical methods employed include portable x-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, proton-induced X-ray emission, optical microscopy and macroscopic observations with a digital microscope to determine the alloy compositions, manufacturing techniques and technical sequences. The results identify a heterogeneous assemblage where compositions, techniques and designs are varied, suggesting that the objects were
Plaza, Maria
Gold and silver technological traditions in San Pedro de Atacama (northern Chile), during the Middle Period (AD 400-1000). This project investigates gold and silver technologies in San Pedro de Atacama (northern Chile), a strategic node in the South Central Andes during the Middle Period (AD 400-1000). Nearly 200 gold and silver personal ornaments and ritual objects have been recovered as grave goods from cemeteries at San Pedro dated to this period. The aim of this research is to reconstruct the biographies of 140 gold and silver objects made of hammered sheets, considering their production, use and particular contexts to understand their technology and role within the San Pedro society. This research is driven by the conceptual frameworks of chaiÌne opeÌratoire and artefact life-histories, and supported by the materials science analyses of finished objects. The analytical methods employed include portable x-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, proton-induced X-ray emission, optical microscopy and macroscopic observations with a digital microscope to determine the alloy compositions, manufacturing techniques and technical sequences. The results identify a heterogeneous assemblage where compositions, techniques and designs are varied, suggesting that the objects were
gold_silver technological tradition northern chile middle period_ad project_investigate gold_silver technology northern chile strategic node south central middle period_ad gold_silver personal ornament ritual object recover grave_good cemetery date_period aim_reconstruct gold_silver object make sheet consider production_use particular context technology role_within society drive conceptual_framework chaiine_opeiratoire artefact life histories support material science analysis finish object analytical_method employ_include portable_x ray_fluorescence scan_electron_microscopy couple energy_dispersive x_ray spectroscopy induced x_ray emission optical_microscopy macroscopic observation digital microscope determine alloy composition manufacture_technique technical sequence identify heterogeneous assemblage composition technique design vary suggest object