Completed projects

The production of metals and deposition of hoards in the Bronze Age

The Bronze Age was a flourishing period for the production of metals in Central Europe. This was conditioned by the exploitation of deeper sources of copper ores and by sources of tin. The research is based on an interdisciplinary approach and examines the sources of raw materials, their processing, and distribution to the place of production of finished goods. It also includes an analysis of objects forming part of the production process, namely metal casting moulds, crucibles for melting copper and tools used for processing objects of bronze (chisels, saws, punches, anvils etc.). Objects from the last group are often found in hoards of bronze items, and due to this the research also concentrates on the phenomenon of hoarding among Bronze Age communities, as well as the function and character of hoards (votive hoards, foundry hoards). The question is raised as to the possibility of local metal production in individual settlements and/or the existence of major manufacturing centres.

Snježana Karavanić, Hrvoje Kalafatić