COPPER AND BRONZE DURING THE ENEOLITHIC AND EARLY BRONZE AGE: A METALLOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF AXES FROM THE NORTHALPINE REGION*

This paper presents the results of a metallographic examination of Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age axes from the Northalpine region of central Europe. During this period, different types of copper were in use: arsenical copper, Fahlerz copper and tin bronze. We examine if and to what extent the different properties of the metals used were known to prehistoric metalworkers and actively manipulated in the production of the axes. The development of methods of casting and smithing is discussed. Both aspects contribute to our understanding of the nature of prehistoric technological change. During the Early Bronze Age of the Northalpine region, different traditions of early metallurgy can be identified, which differ in their use of Fahlerz copper, their attitude towards tin alloying and the use made of tin bronze in the production of the axes. These traditions can only be adequately described by reference to both composition—that is, access to different types of copper as well as tin—and knowledge of the production techniques provided by metallographic data.     

High Resolution Stratigraphic Distribution of Coprolites within Eneolithic Middens,a Case Study: Hârsova-Tell (Constanta County,Southeast Romania)

Abstract

Quantitative distribution of coprolites, fish bones and mammal bones recovered by wet screening from an Eneolithic midden at Hârsova-tell (southeast Romania) is surveyed within a high resolution stratigraphic framework. The coprolites, all containing bone fragments, are attributed to carnivores/omnivores: dog, pig, man. Highly significant correlation (Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation r_s = 0.46, P < 0.0001) between coprolite distribution and the seasonality-related fish bone distribution suggests that seasonality controls the stratigraphic distribution of coprolites recovered by wet screening within middens. Periods of high fish bone input into the midden, correlated with frequent coprolite occurrences, correspond to the warm season (late spring to early autumn). Assessment of potential factors controlling coprolite distribution within the midden suggests that sections of high coprolite concentration reflect preservation of faeces until embedding in sediments, and/or rapid embedding of faeces. Preservation of faeces is favored by dry periods, characteristic of the summer season in the highly continental climate of the region. Rain, freeze-thaw cycles or other wet season processes favor faeces disintegration. Our results suggest that the stratigraphic distribution of coprolites obtained by wet screening may represent an indicator of seasonality in middens. Additional studies are needed to better characterise this relationship and refine interpretations.