Arsenic-nickel bronzes of the Maikop culture in the Northern Caucasus (features of composition, production methods and technology used)

This article is devoted to questions concerning the metallurgy of Maikoparsenic-nickel bronzes, the nature of their composition and the methods used to produce items for a variety of functions. After experimental smelting, it was established that it waspossible to obtain bronzes using nickeline and annabergite as alloying additions to copper.It was demonstrated that Maikop craftsmen, when they engaged in smelting of this kindon a basis of local raw materials, would skillfully regulate the concentration of the blendand the temperature to which it was heated. They were well aware of the properties ofarsenic-nickel alloys and used them to make their most prestigious items of weaponry andtools.