Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-mlc7c Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-19T05:15:42.208Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Characterisation of a Bronze Age Weapon Hoard

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

J.P. Northover  and
S.D. Bridgford
J.P. Northover
Affiliation:
Dept. of Materials, University of Oxford, Begbroke Business and Science Park, Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Oxford, OX5 1PF, UK
S.D. Bridgford
Affiliation:
24 Vicarage Lane, Oxford, OX1 4RQ, UK
Get access

Abstract

The study described here is based on the proposition that all events in the life of a bronze artefact, from the moment it was cast to the time it became available for characterisation, have the potential to leave a trace that can be identified by one or more metallographic methods. The hoard presented here was found at Waterden, Norfolk, England by metal detecting and excavation after it was scattered by the plough. The find comprises 201 fragments from approximately 130 swords and spearheads. It is important for understanding the evolution of the Bronze Age sword in Britain, and also for understanding the destruction and deposition of weapons in weapon-only assemblages. Besides a consideration of the hoard from a typological perspective the project used five methods of examination: a) a surface study for manufacturing traces, combat damage, possible cremation, and damage in the ground or at recovery, b) radiography, c) compositional analysis by electron probe microanalysis, d) optical metallography, and e) microhardness testing. This is the first occasion in which these techniques have been combined in the investigation of a complete hoard. It has been possible to divide the results from each technique into simple categories so that clear correlations can be made, so it can be shown that sword blades had more elaborate finishing than others, that some workshops had better casting practice than others and that the great majority of swords had combat damage. The effects of destruction and fire are also discussed and a context for the deposition of the hoard reconstructed.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 712: Symposium II – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology VI , 2002 , II7.5
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2002

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

[1] Burgess, C.B. and Colqhoun, I., The swords of Britain, (München: Prähistorische Bronzefunde, 4(5))Google Scholar
[2] Colqhoun, I., in Bronze Age hoards: some finds old and new, edited by Burgess, C. & Coombs, D.G., (Oxford, BAR 67, 1979), 90–116 Google Scholar
[3] Bridgford, S.D., Weapons, warfare and society, 1250–950BC, (Sheffield Univesity, unpublished PhD thesis, 2000)Google Scholar
[4] Hughes, M.J., Northover, J.P. & Staniaszek, B.E.P., Oxford. Jour. Archaeol., 1, 1982, 359–63Google Scholar
[5] Northover, J.P., Oxford. Jour. Archaeol., 1, 1982, 69–109 Google Scholar
[6] Rohl, B.M. and Needham, S.P., The circulation of metal in the British Bronze Age: the application of lead isotope analysis, (London: Brit. Mus. Occ. Paper 102)Google Scholar
[7] Northover, J.P. in Schindler, M.P., Der Depotfund von Arbedo TI, (Basel: SGUF, Antiqua 30), 289–315 Google Scholar