Marisia - Maros Megyei Múzeum Évkönyve 31/1. (2011)
Articles
ASPECTS OF METALLURGICAL ACTIVITY IN THE EARLY IRON AGE SETTLEMENT AT SIMLEU SILVANIEI-OBSERVATORУ Daniel vasile SANA Department for Culture and National Heritage of Sälaj County, Zaläu, RO IО AN BEJINARIU County Museum of History and Art Zaläu, Zaläu, RO This paper examines the discoveries of metal pieces and objects that can be linked to the metallurgical activity in the period of the Early Iron Age from Sjimleu Silvaniei-Observator, an intensely researched site in the last two decades. It brings together new material kept in the Museum of History and Art in Zaläu. From cultural point of view, the settlement belongs to the Gáva culture, chronologically covering the period to the second half of the HaA2 phase and the end ofHaC, and probably also the beginning of the next period. Although the settlement is located in an area lacking mineral resources, the objects used in the metallurgical activities indicate the presence of local and itinerant craftsmen, producing metal objects. This is probably due to its proximity to the raw materials from Bihor Mountains and Maramures, which could represent an opportunity to purchase various raw materials to trade on borders. Although, the dominant position in which this site is located should be outlined Through this position, which entailed a major advantage in controlling the movement of goods and persons in Crasna Valley, between Transylvania, Crisana, Sätmar and further to the Tisza Basin, a part of the resources could reach there by imposing a system of customs clearance on those who transited the area. Therefore, it seems probable that the technological development of the production of objects of metal from §imleu Silvaniei-Observator was based both on the needs of the community, and on the relationships or social status of high society in this community. Keywords: iron, bronze, axe, needles, arrowhead, moulds, craftsmen Being a favourable environment for habitation since ancient times, the investigated territory was geographically and geomorphologically heterogeneous (PI. 1/2-4), comprising the upper slopes of Mägura Hill, situated North to $imleu Silvaniei. With a maximum altitude of 596 m, it takes the form of a hillock cut by deep valleys. Sloppy towards the Crasna Valley and more gentle northwards, the hill keeps a smooth surface on the top as a ‘platform of erosion. From geological point of view, most of these forms of relief are made up of crystalline limestone with granite intrusions and other Cretaceous sediment types (Geográfia 1992, 46). The first written sources about the metal pieces found in fortified settlement from §imleu Silvaniei-Observator are from J. F. Fetzer. Collector and amateur archaeologist from $imleu Silvaniei, he mentions at the end of the 19th century some bronze pieces - chisel and bracelet MARISIA XXXI, p. 1 1 1-120
