Many hundreds of brooches from the early medieval period have been recovered by metal detector enthusiasts since the hobby became popular in the 1970's. Much typological work has been completed and...Show moreMany hundreds of brooches from the early medieval period have been recovered by metal detector enthusiasts since the hobby became popular in the 1970's. Much typological work has been completed and some compositional research has already been undertaken for those found in Greater Frisia but not on a large scale. This research undertook the bulk analysis of over 600 copper alloy brooches by handheld XRF and onsite use-wear analysis at repositories in the north of Holland. The compositional analysis subsequently showed regional and chronological differences in the bulk elements as well as clear correlations to typological groups. The analysis produced evidence that Greater Frisia abandoned its tradition of producing brooches in bronze, in favour of production in brass shortly after being annexed into the Carolingian empire in the 8th Century. The morphological analysis also produced evidence of recycling practices and a new interpretation for some cross motifs. These castaways, while lacking the most basic stratigraphical contexts and frequently marginalized in archaeological research, have much more to offer than previously thought.Show less
