The Production of Metal Art in Bulgaria in the 10th Century: According to Data from Production Centers in the Vicinity of Preslav
Стела Дончева. Производството на художествен метал в България през X век
Category: Archaeology of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. Medieval Art
In Bulgarian with a summary in English

   The discovery of production centers from the 10th century in the vicinity of the capital Preslav contributed to the development of the theme of art metal production in early medieval Bulgaria. The main characteristics of a metalworking center include a significant concentration of metal finds and especially foundry tools — moulds, crucibles, specific tooling, and a large number of unfinished items. The presence of these elements in the studied complexes prove the presence of intensive production activity and a fully completed technological cycle. The production of jewelry is reconstructed based on the analysis of the numerous finds from these complexes, which exceed 2200 artifacts. Most are metal objects — belt buckles, appliqués, belt ends. It is this group of metal products that is the basis of the present work. Subject of analysis are also the regularly produced cult objects: crosses and medallions; as well as different types of jewelry: rings, earrings and many others. Ceramics and coins found at the production centers (Leo VI (866—912), Romanos I Lekapenos (920—944), Constantine VII and Romanos II (945—950) determine the activity of the production centers for art metal in the 10th century.

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