The prestige of the objects: Ivory handles in the iberian world

Abstract

This work focuses on ivory handles with similar morphotecnic characteristics recovered in both habitat and funerary spaces, dated between the 4th and 2nd century bc. These are prestigious objects only accessible to the aristocratic elite, and have been manufactured with exotic materials (ivory) and unusual decorative techniques that show a specialization Trough Fourier transform near-infrared (ft-nir) and portable x-ray fluorescence (pxrf) analysis, it has been possible to document amber inlays adhered to the surface of the handles by using tin as a soft solder. Likewise, some of these objects are decorated with bronze overlays and, exceptionally in one of those, the handle is covered on its sides with a silver sheet. The origin and necessary craft technical knowledge to make these objects is discussed.