Results of the Archaeometallographic Study of the Collection of Forged Pieces from the Shcherbet Settlement on the Lower Kama

The purpose of the paper is to present features development ironworking Volga-Kama periphery Eastern European part Barbarikum on basis data obtained during metallographic study forged pieces related materials Imenkovo culture (V–VII centuries), that were found in different years (mainly by P.N. Starostin 1960s–80s) Shcherbet I settlement destroyed reservoir. Schemes and methods making 31 items made ferrous metal determined: a ploughshare, chisel, 2 axes, 4 sickles, 13 knives, awls, rings for fastening, two fishhooks rod-shaped items. It was forging welding local carburizing often used their manufacture. Half objects had traces heat treating tempering mode or soft temper milieu. As characteristic technological feature this collection, combination iron steel forgings (usually low-carbon) components noted design, mainly form upset strip bent half. A significant mass have distinct signs multi-layer packing. degree using blacksmithing skills quality studied example examined samples give reason believe deep-seated tradition.