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The earliest metallurgy in the northeast Iberian Peninsula? New analysis of a gold bead from Tossal Gros cave (Torroella de Montgrí, Girona)

  • Ignacio Soriano Llopis
  • , Joaquim Soler Subils
  • , Narcís Soler Masferrer
    • Autonomous University of Barcelona
    • University of Girona

    Research output: Contribution to journalScientific articlepeer-review

    9 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The find of a gold biconvex bead from Tossal Gros burial cave (Torroella de Montgrí, Girona) represents the first example of this type known in the Iberian Peninsula. These beads are common in the south of France and are dated to the Late Neolithic. With the aim of establishing their production process, we applied SEM-EDS, radiology and use-wear analysis. The results show the high technological complexity of the bead, which is unparalleled in prehistoric Iberia. The radiocarbon dating of the site by three AMS dates and associated materials confirm a date to the end of 4 th - beginning of 3 rd millennia cal BC. Comparisons with the available data concerning the earliest Northeast Iberian metallurgy allows an assessment of the possible origin, use and social value of this particular golden bead.

    Translated title of the contribution¿La primera orfebrería del nordeste de la Península Ibérica? Nuevas aportaciones a partir de la cuenta áurea de Cau del Tossal Gros (Torroella del Montgrí, Baix Empordà, Girona)
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)149-161
    Number of pages13
    JournalTrabajos de Prehistoria
    Volume69
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Keywords

    • Archaeometallurgy
    • Late Prehistory
    • Metal use-wear analysis
    • Prehistoric goldwork
    • Radiology
    • SEM-EDS
    • Western Mediterranean

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