Question for January 2022

Great question. I asked advice on this from a metalsmith colleague, Haley Bates, who kindly provided the following:-
’The inlaid skull will certainly weigh more than the skull alone. Here is a best guess:-
A 1” x 1/2” piece of turquoise (depending on thickness of course!) can weigh approximately 5 grams, and it looks like at least 48 sq. in. of the skull (minimum) has turquoise inlay...
So 240 grams.... which is about 8.5 ounces.... or it could be down to half that, if the stones are really thin slabs... or it could be more!
So, for the experienced skull-handler, it is safe to say that there would definitely be a noticeable difference in the weight. (I am hoping the child in question wouldn’t be able to tell the difference though...!)’

Artist’s impression of a warrior fighting while wearing a skull mask on his back