Abstract
This article presents a microstructural study of a set of samples from the treasure of tomb 7 of Monte Alban, Oaxaca, in southeast Mexico. The purpose of this work was to elucidate the manufacturing methods used by the pre-Columbian artisans of the Oaxaca valley. An additional goal was to establish a point of comparison between Mesoamerican cultures and cultures in some other regions of the Americas. Ten gilt samples were analyzed corresponding to the post-classic period (700–1300A.D.). The microstructure and elemental composition of the samples were determined using optical, scanning, and transmission-electron microscopies and electron-energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The samples were classified by the method of manufacture. A predominant use of gold alloys was found, rather than the gilt copper commonly used by some cultures in South America.
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For more information, contact Miguel José-Yacaman, Texas Materials Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-1062, USA; e-mail yacaman@che.utexas.edu.
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Camacho-Bragado, G.A., José-Yacaman, M., Ortega-Aviles, M. et al. A microstructural study of gold treasure from monte alban’s Tomb 7. JOM 57, 19–24 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-005-0247-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-005-0247-2