Somogyi Múzeumok Közleményei 15. (2002)

Vámosi Lajosné: Díszítéstechnikai eljárások a Zamárdi avar temető VII. századi leletanyagában

96 A decorative technique on finds from the 7 th Century Ad. Avar cemetery of Zamárdi MRS. VÁMOSI Wax inlay in Avar Period goldsmithery Archeological excavations brought to light a remarkabiy large number of burials in the Avar Period cemetery of Zamárdi. Of the artifacts recovered, some metal strap ends were handed over for restoration to the author. Microscopic studies of their surfaces revealed a special form of noble patina. This noble patina cover was deposited in the wedge-shaped engravings that decorated the strap ends. Subsequent technical analyses included the uses of electron-beam microanalysis, X-ray emission and PIXE analysis as well as gas chromatography. With these methods, both the alloy's composition and the organich materials forming the noble patina could be indentified. This observation raises the question of wether the Avar artists were familiar with the so called „Spanish" vax inlay technique. Another interesting find from the Avar cemetery of Zamárdi This discovery drew attention to another interesting goldsmithery method found on an artefact from the same cemetery. For the background decoration of the metal strap end of Byzantine style from the VII-VIII C, the craftsman of old used insect wings. The entomologist, who ascertained that the find contained rosebug wing pieces, supported this hypothesis.