Archeometallurgical Study of the Statue of Grand'Garde Monkey in Mons, Belgium

This paper discusses the archeometallurgical study of the “Grand’Garde Monkey” statue, located on the town hall in Mons, Belgium, known for its medieval wrought ironwork. The statue’s chemical composition was analyzed using portable X-ray fluorescence, while mechanical properties were assessed through macrohardness testing. Additional characterization included X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry. Results indicate the statue is made of low-carbon bloomery steel, evidenced by slag inclusions in its microstructure. Historical analysis suggests it may have been produced in the mid-fifteenth century, supported by the presence of a nearby iron ore deposit at Quévy, mined from the tenth to fifteenth centuries. This indicates that local ore could have been utilized in its creation.