Comparative Technological Analysis of Middle Bronze Age Bronze Objects from Hoards and Burials
Szilvia Gyöngyösi, Laura Juhász, Péter Barkóczy, Julianna Cseh, Géza Szabó · Brepols Publishers eBooks · 2024
The rich and varied bronze finds from the burials and hoards of the Transdanubian Encrusted Pottery Culture and Early Tumulus Culture, discovered in a smaller geographical area around Tatabánya (Hungary, Komárom-Esztergom County), provided a good opportunity for the comparison of the metalwork of the two successive periods, including the possibility of observing the similarities and differences between items from hoards and the grave goods from burials. The SEM-EDS chemical composition analysis focused on two directions: the results of the average (field) composition analyses allowed the classification of the samples. With phase analyses, the present phases could be identified, which were used as additional information for the metallographic examinations. During the metallographic examination, the microstructure analysis provided information mainly about the manufacturing process, including the question of whether the object was made by casting, plastic deformation after casting, or perhaps subjected to heat treatment after the metal was shaped. Additionally, the corrosion processes could also be followed even after the objects had fallen out of use. Data and observations indicated the application of different raw materials and diverse technologies. Evaluating these together with the excavation observations and historical background, the differences between the two consecutive periods were well established, both in terms of the raw materials, as well as methods used in the processing of the bronze. A comparison of the bronze objects of the hoards and burials also revealed that differences are likely to be observed, not only related to the types according to function (tools/ornaments), but especially the ritual of the burial in connection with the disposal of the jewellery.