Reused and recycled. Archeometallurgical study of historical nails found in Guam, Mariana Islands and Western Pacific

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Publication Highlights

1. This study marks a pioneering effort, revealing the archaeometallurgical analysis of iron nails from the Mariana Islands and Micronesia. It challenges the conventional belief that these nails are solely of Spanish origin
2. Despite the absence of metallurgy in Latte societies, this research highlights their ingenuity in processing and recycling iron tools, likely sourced from European galleons. This suggests a complex network of exchange, trade, and the repurposing of iron from shipwrecks.
3. The analysis showcases the diversity in metallographic and mechanical characteristics among the examined samples.
4. To unravel the full story, future studies, including compositional analysis, are imperative. These investigations hold the key to pinpointing the exact origins of these iron nails.
5. This research serves as a window into Micronesia’s history, shedding light on the intricate relationships and exchanges that shaped the region’s technological landscape, challenging preconceptions about its metallurgical history.

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