Bronze Age Replica Amber Beads Analyzed

Archaeology Magazine ^ | October 18, 2024 | editors / unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

According to an El País report, a team of researchers led by Carlos Odriozola of the University of Seville has studied replica amber beads produced by people living on the Iberian Peninsula between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago. More than 2,000 beads crafted to resemble amber have been found at 15 different Bronze Age sites in the region. Odriozola and his colleagues examined these imitation beads with infrared analysis techniques and computerized microtomography, and found that to begin the process, a stone or shell was chosen as a core material. Next, a mixture of pine resin, beeswax, and linseed oil was used to cover the core and give it the characteristic orange color of amber. The replica was then sealed with bone glue made from boiled collagen and other animal remains. "The clear effort to replicate the characteristics of amber is proof of the value that the material had," Odriozola said. The researchers are planning to investigate the possibility that elites commissioned skilled craftspeople to make the imitation amber beads. For example, analysis of human remains found buried with imitation amber artifacts could reveal if the deceased person had eaten more meat than the rest of the population, thereby signifying elite status.

[SunkenCiv]

Courtesy Carlos Odriozola

[SunkenCiv]

• Prehistoric craftsmen made fakes: Amber imitations that managed to confuse science | El Pais

[linMcHlp]

Bead-coin

[KingLudd]

Plastics!

[OldHarbor]

Jewelry knock offs

Hey Joe, have a look.

[SteveH]

Ancient Amber beer?

Oh… darn…

[SunkenCiv]

:^) ‘60s flashback.

[SunkenCiv]

lol

[Red Badger]

Cheap Iberian knockoffs........

[SunkenCiv]

There’s a group of ancient coin collectors who specialize in ancient counterfeit coins. :^) Nothin’ new under the Sun.

[Red Badger]

Counterfeiting used to be a capital crime....Sir Isaac Newton was put in charge of stopping counterfeiting in his time and sent some men to the gallows..... Counterfeiting stopped.....

[Doctor Congo]

Did the caveman shoppers at the time know these were knockoffs?

[Larry Lucido]

Impressive, but let me know when they find ancient Amber Lamps. And then call me one!

[Flag_This]

”let me know when they find ancient Amber Lamps”

Epic Beard Dude lives!

[SunkenCiv]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53Bx5PLrOIk

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Knock-offs have been around since we started making stuff.

[SunkenCiv]

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/egfc/hd_egfc.htm

[rxh4n1]

“Cheap Iberian knockoffs........”

Africans will be selling them off folding tables on 42nd St.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Yes. We like pretty things but pretty things are usually either rare, take a great deal of time to make or require unusual skill. Or all three. Usually all three. And thus rises the “Almost as good but half the price”. And some of the “Almost as good” is pretty spectacular.

[The Antiyuppie]

‘Plastics!”

Hmmm… there really WAS a future in them.