This study delves into the chemical characterization of 171 copper-based artefacts from the Islamic Mértola region. The artefacts encompass a variety of items, including tools like spindles and spatulas, personal ornaments such as rings and earrings, as well as fragmented objects with unclear functions. Through XRF analysis, the study reveals that the artefacts were crafted using copper-based alloys like unalloyed copper, brasses, and bronzes.
The results shed light on the utilisation of recycled scraps as raw material for crafting these objects. Interestingly, the analysis indicates a lack of fresh tin addition in the bronzes, suggesting a recycling process where existing alloys were reused without significant modifications. This recycling practice reflects the adaptability of local craftsmen in response to political instability in the region during the Almohad period.
Furthermore, the study emphasises the importance of exploring impurities and isotopic data to gain deeper insights into the ancient metal production techniques employed by artisans in the Islamic Mértola region. The findings hint at a potential scenario where local metalworkers assimilated technologies brought to al-Andalus by metallurgists from the East, indicating a dynamic exchange of knowledge and skills in the realm of metalworking.
Overall, this research contributes to a better understanding of the material culture and technological practices of the Islamic community in Mértola, highlighting the resourcefulness and adaptability of craftsmen in utilising available resources to create objects of daily use and personal adornment during a period of historical significance.
