The 'sonaja del Petamuti': microstructural analysis of this pre hispanic metallic artifact of tarascan origin

As a part of the Archaeological Project 'Cuenca de Cuitzeo', several archaeological diggings were performed at the Tarascan ceremonial of Huandacareo, Michoacan, Mexico. During this work was discovered an offering with several metal artifacts of Pre hispanic origin, between them was found a ring of barrel shaped (rattle) with twelve bells joined by means of a twisted copper tread, which has been used this study. This work presents its characterization by means of scanning electron microscopy, metallography, elemental chemical analysis and X-ray radiography. The aim of the study was to determine the process of manufacture to find if the bells were welded or cast in one peace by the lost wax method. It was possible to determine the presence of grainy bumpy textures over plain and irregular surface of the object. Metallographs in selected spots of the object were accomplished by a replication method. Also, some radiograph were take to find if a solder of different density to X rays was detected. The elemental chemical composition shows the presence of Cu, O, C, Si, and P as mayor and minor elements. Besides traces of Al, Cl, Ca, K, As, Fe and M were detected. (Author)