Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Later prehistoric tin mining in the Ervedosa mine (Vinhais, Portugal): evidence and context

  • Research
  • Published:
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the evidence for ancient tin mining at the Ervedosa mine (Vinhais, Portugal). The geological context of the site indicates a rich cassiterite (SnO2) deposit, which was subject to mining in the twentieth century. Some ancient mining and ore processing stone tools were recovered during the twentieth century mining operations, namely one hammer, one pounder, one flat anvil and five small tools used both as pounders and crushing anvils, evidencing prehistoric mining activities. XRF and SEM–EDS chemical analyses were performed on primary and secondary cassiterite samples from the mining site, demonstrating the abundance and chemical heterogeneity of the tin (Sn) ores. The stone tools can be ascribed to Bronze Age or, at the latest, Early Iron Age (2nd millennium to the first half of 1st millennium BCE) by comparison with similar tools from other Iberian and European archaeological contexts. High-resolution photogrammetric 3D models of the tools are made available in this study. The historical descriptions of the findings and the research made on the technical archives about the mine allowed correlating the tools to mining in a primary context, focused on rich quartz veins in granitic or greisen bedrock, rather than mining in a secondary context. XRF and SEM–EDS analyses performed on the stone material and on surface adherences support their identification as specific types of hard rocks, such as granite, amphibolite and quartzite, and allowed the detection of Sn-rich adherent particles, confirming their use for Sn-material processing. The potential relation between the cassiterite resources and the local later prehistoric (Bronze Age to Early Iron Age) settlement pattern is also discussed. The results raise awareness and provide relevant data about the existence of tin mining in primary contexts during later prehistoric times in the NW Iberian Peninsula.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Adapted from Gomes (1996) and updated with data from Gomes and Neiva (2002)

Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

All the data and supporting material are available in the manuscript or in the Online Resources provided with the manuscript.

Code availability

Not applicable.

References

  • Aires S, Noronha F, Carvalho C, Moura AC, Ramos JF (2013) The example of the quartzite from the ‘upper quartzite formation’ from Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (Northern Portugal); its characterization to use as natural stone. Key Eng Mater 548:212–219. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.548.212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alves FM (1934) Memorias arqueológico-históricas do Distrito de Bragança vol. IX. Guedes, Porto

  • Amorim ABC, Freitas JAG (2015) O arquivo das minas do Norte de Portugal (1839–2011). Construção do arquivo digital de informações. Boletim De Minas 50:75–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Anonymous (1914) Relatorio e projecto d’exploração da mina de Borralheira. Folder 492. Arquivo das minas do Norte de Portugal: Porto

  • Bastos M (2017) Proposta de definição de âmbito, Estudo de impacte ambiental mina da Argemela. https://siaia.apambiente.pt/AIADOC/DA201/pda_201_mina_argemela201811212231.pdf Accessed 02 july 2022

  • Berger D, Soles JS, Giumlia-Mair A, Brügmann G, Galili E, Lockhoff N, Pernicka E (2019) Isotope systematics and chemical composition of tin ingots from Mochlos (Crete) and other Late Bronze Age sites in the eastern Mediterranean Sea: an ultimate key to tin provenance? Plos One 14 (6): e0218326. doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218326

  • Brandão J, Silva P (2006) Contribuição para a elaboração de um catálogo geral dos artefactos arqueológicos ligados à mineração e metalurgia antigas nas colecções dos museus geomineiros do INETI. In: Actas do 3o Simpósio sobre Mineração e Metalurgia Históricas no Sudoeste Europeu. SEDPGYM and IPPAR, Porto, pp 555–569

  • Bruker (2019) S1 TITAN Mining and Exploration brochure. https://www.bruker.com/pt/products-and-solutions/elemental-analyzers/handheld-xrf-spectrometers/S1-TITAN/_jcr_content/root/sections/more_information/sectionpar/linklist_copy/contentpar-1/calltoaction.download-asset.pdf/links/item3/S1-TITAN_Mining_brochure.pdf Accessed 07 February 2023

  • Charles JA (1975) Where is the tin? Antiquity 49(193):19–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Comendador Rey B, Meunier E, Figueiredo E, Lackinger A, Fonte J, Fernández Fernández C, Lima A, Mirão J, Silva RJC (2017) Northwestern Iberian tin mining from Bronze Age to modern times: an overview. In: Newman P (ed) The Tinworking Landscape of Dartmoor in a European Context. DTRG, Sowton, pp 133–153

  • De Blas Cortina MA (2014) El laboreo del cobre en la Siera del Aramo (Asturias) como referente cardinal de la minería prehistórica en la Región Cantábrica. Cuad Prehist Arqueol Univ Granada 24:45–84. https://doi.org/10.30827/cpag.v24i0.4088

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Pascale A (2003) Hammerstones from early copper mines: sintesi dei ritrovamenti nell’Europa e nel Mediterraneo orientale e primi considerazioni sui mazzuoli di Monte Loreto (IV millenio a.C.) Liguria. Riv Stud Liguri 69:5–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Delgado-Raack S, Escanilla Artigas N, Risch R (2014) Mazas ocultas. Rastros de minería prehistórica en el Cerro Minado de Huercal-Overa (Almería). Cuad Prehist Arqueol Univ Granada 24:13–44. https://doi.org/10.30827/cpag.v24i0.4087

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Domergue C (1987) Catalogue des mines et des fonderies antiques de la Péninsule Ibérique. De Boccard, Madrid

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira OV, Castro LA (1949) Notícia sobre um pilão de minérios pré-histórico. Estudos, Notas e Trabalhos Do Serviço De Fomento Mineiro V 1–2:44–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernandes CMB (2010) As minas de Ervedosa (1906–1969). Efígie de memória e narrativa. Âncora Editora, Lisbon

  • Fernández-Miranda M, Montero Ruiz I, Rovira Llorens S (1995) Los primeros objetos de bronce en el occidente de Europa. Trab Prehist 52(1):57–69. https://doi.org/10.3989/tp.1995.v52.i1.431

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Figueiredo E, Lopes F, Araújo MF, Silva RJC, Senna-Martinez JC, Luís E (2012) Os primeiros bronzes do território Português: uma primeira abordagem arqueometalúrgica a um conjunto de machados Bujões/Barcelos. Est Arqueol De Oeiras 19:71–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Figueiredo E, Senna-Martinez JC, Silva RJC, Araújo MF (2009) Orientalizing artifacts from Fraga dos Corvos rock shelter in North Portugal. Mater Manuf Processes 24:949–954. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426910902982508

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Figueiredo E, Stanojev Pereira MA, Lopes F, Marques JG, Santos JP, Araújo MF, Silva RJC, Senna-Martinez JC (2016) Investigating Early/Middle Bronze Age copper and bronze axes by micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and neutron imaging techniques. Spectrochimica Acta Part B 122:15–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2016.05.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Figueiredo E, Fonte J, Lima A, Veiga JP, Silva R, Mirão J (2018) Ancient tin production: slags from the Iron Age Carvalhelhos hillfort (NW Iberian Peninsula). J Archaeol Sci 93:1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2018.02.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Figueiredo E, Rodrigues A, Fonte E, Meunier E, Dias F, Lima A, Gonçalves JA, Gonçalves-Seco L, Gonçalves F, Pereira MFC, Silva RJC, Veiga JP (2022) Tin and bronze production at the Outeiro de Baltar hillfort (NW Iberia). Minerals 12:758. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12060758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flores FA, Araújo C (1945) História da exploração da mina de Ruy Gomes. Estudos, Notas e Trabalhos Do Serviço De Fomento Mineiro 1(3–4):296–303

    Google Scholar 

  • Fonte J, Lima A, Matías Rodríguez R, Gonçalves JA, Leal S (2017) Novas evidências de mineração aurífera e estanhífera de época Romana no alto vale do Tâmega (Montalegre e Boticas, Norte de Portugal). Estud Quat 17:45–55. https://doi.org/10.30893/eq.v0i17.160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fonte J, Meunier E, Gonçalves JA, Dias F, Lima A, Gonçalves-Seco L, Figueiredo E (2021) An integrated remote-sensing and GIS approach for mapping past tin mining landscapes in Northwest Iberia. Remote Sens 13:3434. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13173434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrido-Pena R, Flores Fernández R, Herrero-Corral AM, Muñoz Moro P, Gutiérrez Saez C, Paulos-Bravo R (2022) Atlantic halberds as Bell Beacker weapons in Iberia: tomb 1 of Humanejos (Parla, Madrid, Spain). Oxf J Archaeol 41(3):252–277. https://doi.org/10.1111/ojoa.12250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giumlia-Mair A, Lo Schiavo F (2003) Le problème de l’étain à l’origine de la métallurgie. Archaeopress, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomes ME (1996) Mineralogia, petrologia e geoquímica das rochas granitóides da área de Rebordelo-Bouça-Torre de D. Chama-Agrochão e as mineralizações associadas. PhD Dissertation, Universidade de Trás-Os-Montes e Alto Douro

  • Gomes ME, Farinha Ramos JM (2018) Recursos minerais de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. In: Balsa C, Teixeira JS (eds) Recursos Geológicos de Trás-os-Montes: Passado, Presente e Perspetivas Futuras. Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, 17–53

  • Gomes MEP, Favas PJC (2006) Mineralogical controls on mine drainage of the abandoned Ervedosa tin mine in North-Eastern Portugal. Applied Geochem 21(8):1322–1334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2006.06.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gomes ME, Neiva AMR (2002) Petrogenesis of tin-bearing granites from Ervedosa, Northern Portugal: the importance of magmatic processes. Geochem 62:47–72. https://doi.org/10.1078/0009-2819-00002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gomes ME, Favas P, Figueiredo N (2008) O Passado Mineiro e o Presente, na Região De Rebordelo, Ervedosa e Murçós. https://docplayer.com.br/40217623-Na-regiao-de-rebordelo-ervedosa-e-murcos.html. Accessed 28 june 2022

  • Hamon C, Ambert P, Laroche M, Guendon JL, Rovira S, Bouquet L (2009) Les outils à cupules, marqueurs de la métallurgie du district de Cabrières-Péret (Hérault) au Chalcolithique. Gallia Préhistoire 51:179–212. https://doi.org/10.3406/galip.2009.2478

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haupstein M, Gillis C, Pernicka E (2010) Tin isotopy: a new method for solving old questions. Archaeometry 52(5):816–832

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt Ortiz MA (2003) Prehistoric mining and metallurgy in south west Iberian Peninsula. Archaeopress, Oxford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Inverno C, Carvalho D, Parra A, Reynaud R, Filipe A, Martins L (2020) Carta de depósitos minerais de Portugal na escala 1: 200 000. Folha 2. LNEG, Lisbon

  • Lemos FS (1993) Povoamento romano de Trás-os-Montes Oriental. PhD Dissertation, Universidade do Minho

  • Lopo AP (1902) O Cerro de Penhas Juntas. O Arqueólogo Português Serie 1(7):101–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Loureiro J, Figueiredo E, Silva RJC, Araújo MF, Fonte J, Bettencourt AMS (2016) Metal alloys, matrix inclusions and manufacturing techniques of Moinhos de Golas collection (North Portugal): a study by Micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS, Optical microscopy and X-ray radiography. Appl Phys A 122(9):1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-016-0354-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maciel T (1993) Roteiro Arqueológico da Região de Vinhais. In: Maciel T (ed) Vinhais, terra e gentes. Escola Secundária de Vinhais, Vinhais

  • Malham A (2010) The classification and interpretation of tin smelting remains from South West England. PhD Thesis, University of Bradford

  • Marques JN, Almeida S, Ferreira N, Vilaça R (2011-2012) O castro do Cabeço da Argemela (Fundão), trabalhos desenvolvidos entre 2003 e 2009. Eburobriga 7: 79-99

  • Melo AA, Alves H, Araújo MF (2002) The bronze palstave from Quarta Feira copper mine, Central Portugal. In OTTAWAY, B. S. & WAGER, E. C. – Metals and society. Papers from a session held at the European Association of Archaeologists. Sixth Annual Meeting in Lisbon 2000. Oxford: Archaeopress. BAR International Series 1061:109–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Meredith C (1998) La Mina El Cerro de San Cristobal: a Bronze Age tin mine (Extremadura, Spain). Papers from the Institute of Archaeology 9:57–69. https://doi.org/10.5334/pia.122

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Montero-Ruiz I, Rovira-Llorens S (2022) Early copper mining in the Iberian Peninsula: state of the art. Arkheologiia Evraziiskikh Stepei 2:194–205. https://doi.org/10.24852/2587-6112.2022.2.194.205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Montes-Landa J, Montero-Ruiz I, Castanyer Masoliver P, Santos Retolaza M, Tremoleda Trilla J, Martinón-Torres M (2020) Traditions and innovations: versatility of copper and tin bronze making recipes in Iron Age Emporion (L’Escala, Spain). Archaeol Anthropol Sci 12–6:124. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-020-01081-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muhly JD (1973) Copper and tin. The distribution of mineral resources and the nature of the metals trade in the Bronze Age. Connecticut Academy of Arts and Science, New Haven

  • Muhly JD (1985) Sources of tin and the beginnings of bronze metallurgy. Am J Archaeol 89:275–291. https://doi.org/10.2307/504330

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murciego A, García Sánchez A, Dusausoy Y, Martin Pozas JM, Ruck R (1997) Geochemistry and EPR of cassiterites from the Iberian Hercynian Massif. Mineral Mag 61:357–365. https://doi.org/10.1180/minmag.1997.061.406.03

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murciego A, Alvarez-Ayuso E, Pellitero E, Rodríguez MA, García-Sánchez A, Tamayo A, Rubio J, Rubin J (2011) Study of arsenopyrite weathering products in mine wastes from abandoned tungsten and tin exploitations. J Hazard Mater 186:590–601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.11.033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neiva AMR (2002) Portuguese granites associated with Sn-W and Au mineralizations. Bull Geol Soc Finland 74(1–2):79–101. https://doi.org/10.17741/bgsf/74.1-2.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neiva AMR (2008) Geochemistry of cassiterite and wolframite from tin and tungsten quartz veins in Portugal. Ore Geol Reviews 33(3–4):221–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2006.05.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O'Brien W (2015) Prehistoric copper mining in Europe. 5500–500 BC. Oxford University Press, Oxford

  • Pereira E (2000) Folha 2 da Carta Geológica de Portugal à escala 1:200 000. Instituto Geológico e Mineiro, Lisbon

    Google Scholar 

  • Rafel N, Soriano I, Delgado-Raack S (2017) A Prehistoric copper mine in the North-East of the Iberian Peninsula: Solana del Bepo (Ulldemolins, Tar-ragona). Revista d’Arqueologia de Ponent no extra 2. Universitat de Lleida, Lleida

  • Rafel N, Hunt Ortiz MA, Soriano I, Delgado-Raack S (2018) Prehistoric copper mining in the North-East of the Iberian Peninsula: La Turquesa or Mas de les Moreres Mine (Cornudella de Montsant, Tarragona, Spain). Revista d'Arqueologia de Ponent no extra 3. Universitat de Lleida, Lleida

  • Rodríguez Díaz A, Pavón Soldevila I, Duque Espino DM, de León P, Iglesias M, Hunt Ortiz MA, Merideth C (2013) La explotación tartésica de la casiterita entre los ríos Tajo y Guadiana: San Cristóbal de Logrosán (Cáceres). Trab Prehist 70–1:95–113. https://doi.org/10.3989/tp.2013.12104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez Díaz A, Pavón Soldevila I, Merideth C, Tresseras JJI (2001) El Cerro de San Cristobal, Logrosán, Extremadura, Spain: the archaeometallurgical excavation of a late Bronze Age tin-mining and metalworking site. First excavation season 1998. Archaeopress, Oxford

  • Rodríguez Díaz A, Pavón Soldevila I, Duque Espino DM (2019) La explotación tartésica del estaño en Logrosán (Cáceres, España). Arqueologia y recuperación de un paisaje minero. BAR Publishing, Oxford

  • Rodríguez Fernández LR, López Olmedo F, Oliveira JT, Medialdea T, Terrinha P, Matas J, Martín-Serrano A, Martín Parra LM, Rubio F, Marín C et al. (2015) Mapa Geológico de la Península Ibérica, Baleares y Canarias a Escala 1/1.000.000. Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME); Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (LNEG). https://info.igme.es/cartografiadigital/geologica/. Accessed 05 Jun 2022

  • Sant’Ovaia H, Ribeiro MA, Martins HCB, Noronha F (2011) Notícia explicativa da Carta geológica de Portugal na escala 1:50000 - Folha 6D – Vila Pouca de Aguiar. LNEG, Lisbon

  • Senna-Martinez J.C., Luís E., Araújo M.F., Silva R., Figueiredo E., Valério P. (2011) First bronzes of North-West Iberia: the data from Fraga dos Corvos Habitat site, in: C.M.B. Martins, A.M.S. Bettencourt, J.I.F.P. Martins, J. Carvalho (coord.) Povoamento e Exploração dos Recursos Mineiros na Europa Atlântica Ocidental, CITEM, APEQ, Braga, 377–390

  • Serviço Cartográfico do Exército (2013) Torre de Dona Chama: Mirandela, Folha 49. Carta militar de Portugal 1:25000, M888, 3rd edn. Instituto Geográfico do Exército, Lisbon

  • Timberlake S, Craddock B (2013) Prehistoric metal mining in Britain: the study of cobble stone mining tools based on artefact study, ethnography and experimentation. Chungara, Rev Antropol Chilena 45–1: 33–59. http://www.chungara.cl/Vols/2013/45-1/Timberlake_y_Craddock_45-1-2013.pdf. Accessed 22 Feb 2021

  • Vilaça R, Almeida S, Bottaini C, Marques JN, Montero-Ruiz I (2011) Metalurgia do Castro do Cabeço da Argemela (Fundão): formas, conteúdos, produções e contextos. In: Martins CMB, Bettencourt AMS, Martins JIFP, Carvalho J (eds) Povoamento e exploração dos recursos mineiros na Europa Atlântica Ocidental. CITCEM, Braga, 427–451

  • Wahl-Clerici R (2020) Roman gold from Tresminas (Portugal). Prospection, mining, treatment. Librum Publishers & Editors, Basel

Download references

Acknowledgements

We want to thank the Museu de Jazigos Minerais Portugueses in São Mamede de Infesta (Portugal) and the Geosciences Museum of the Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon (Portugal) for giving us access to their collections and allowing the photogrammetric work. We are grateful to Paulo Pita and Ana Bela Amorim, from the Arquivo Histórico do Norte do Portugal of the Direção Geral de Energia e Geologia – Divisão das Pedreiras do Norte (Portugal), for the communication of technical documents about the Ervedosa tin mine. We want to acknowledge the Museu Arqueológico Municipal José Monteiro (Fundão, Portugal) for the access to their collection and for authorization of using the picture of the stone hammer nº MAMJM167. We acknowledge the anonymous reviewers for their comments, helpful to improve the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by FEDER through the COMPETE 2020 Programme, Lisboa Regional Programme and European Regional Development Fund (FEEI), and National Funds through FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) under the scope of the Iberian Tin project (PTDC/HARARQ/32290/2017) and Gold.PT project (2022.02608.PTDC). Part of this work was also funded by National Funds through the FCT under the scope of the projects UIDB/50025/2020–2023 to CENIMAT/i3N, UIDB/04449/2020 to HERCULES Laboratory and UIDB/04666/2020 to CHAM.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Alexandra Rodrigues

    Present address: VICARTE (Glass and Ceramics for the Arts), NOVA School of Science and Technology, Caparica, Portugal

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Casa de Velázquez, EHEHI, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    Emmanuelle Meunier

  2. Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal

    Filipa Dias & Alexandre Lima

  3. Department of Archaeology and History, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter, EX4 4QE, UK

    João Fonte

  4. CHAM, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    João Fonte

  5. CENIMAT/i3N, Departamento de Ciência dos Materiais, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal

    Alexandra Rodrigues, Rui J. C. Silva & Elin Figueiredo

  6. HERCULES Laboratory, IN2PAST - Associate Laboratory for Research and Innovation in Heritage, Arts, Sustainability and Territory, University of Evora, 7000-809, Evora, Portugal

    Carlo Bottaini

  7. CENIMAT/i3N & Departamento de Conservação e Restauro, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal

    João P. Veiga

  8. CERENA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal

    Manuel F. C. Pereira

Authors
  1. Emmanuelle Meunier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Filipa Dias
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. João Fonte
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Alexandre Lima
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Alexandra Rodrigues
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Carlo Bottaini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Rui J. C. Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. João P. Veiga
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Manuel F. C. Pereira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Elin Figueiredo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

E.M., F.D., J.F., A.R., E.F. and C.B. wrote the main manuscript text. Figures 1, 4, 5 and 11 were prepared by E.M.; Fig. 2 by J.F and E.M.; Fig. 3 by E.M. and A.R.; Figs. 6, 7 and 8 by F.D. and E.M.; Figs. 9 and 10 by A.R. and E.F. Online resources 1 and 9 were prepared by A.R. and E.M., Online resources 2–8 by C.B. and E.M. Field work was performed by A.L., F.D., E.F., J.F. and E.M. Sample selection was done by M.F.C.P., E.F. and A.L. Chemical analyses and their interpretation were in charge of A.R., E.F., R.J.C.S., J.P.V., F.D. and A.L. Photogrammetry of the tools was performed by C.B. Archive documentation was processed by E.M., J.F., F.D. and A.L. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Emmanuelle Meunier or Elin Figueiredo.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

All the authors agree for this paper to be published.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

12520_2023_1748_MOESM1_ESM.png

Supplementary file1 (PNG 1588 KB) Online resource 1: pXRF spectra of six cassiterite samples from Ervedosa (Museu de Jazigos Minerais Portugueses) analysed. Legend: * – Kα and Kβ lines of V, Cr and/or Mn overlap, uncertain presence of these elements; x – rhodium tube X-ray lines and other background peaks.

Supplementary file2 (PDF 35345 KB) Online resource 2: 3D model of the tool ERV-A.

Supplementary file3 (PDF 39924 KB) Online resource 3: 3D model of the tool ERV-B.

Supplementary file4 (PDF 55352 KB) Online resource 4: 3D model of the tool ERV-C.

Supplementary file5 (PDF 10285 KB) Online resource 5: 3D model of the tool ERV-D.

Supplementary file6 (PDF 29301 KB) Online resource 6: 3D model of the tool ERV-E.

Supplementary file7 (PDF 43006 KB) Online resource 7: 3D model of the tool ERV-F.

Supplementary file8 (PDF 27129 KB) Online resource 8: 3D model of the tool E-01.

12520_2023_1748_MOESM9_ESM.png

Supplementary file9 (PNG 2393 KB) Online resource 9: pXRF spectra of six stone artefacts (ore processing tools) analysed from Ervedosa (Museu de Jazigos Minerais Portugueses).

Supplementary file10 (PDF 31268 KB) Online resource 10: 3D model of the stone hammer from the cabeço da Argemela.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Meunier, E., Dias, F., Fonte, J. et al. Later prehistoric tin mining in the Ervedosa mine (Vinhais, Portugal): evidence and context. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 15, 43 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-023-01748-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-023-01748-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation