The production of bronzes during El Argar: frequency and criteria of use

The alloy of copper with tin appeared for the first time in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula in the Argaric period. In this study we have compiled all the published compositional analyses in order to assess the frequency and use of this alloy. The data show that some objects such as halberds were never made of bronze and that it is in personal adornments (bracelets, rings and earrings) that this alloy is most frequently detected. The chromatic effect of the metals and alloys (copper, bronze, silver) and their combination in grave goods or the greater or lesser social value given to the different metals seem to explain their choice and use better than the criteria of technological or functional improvement in this phase of the Bronze Age. It is suggested that the first bronzes may have been objects imported from other regions of the Iberian Peninsula or Europe.

Collection: Texts

Project: 2. Social and economic impact of technological revolutions in Europe.

Chronology: -

Scope: Secondary Education

Link: http://www.man.es/man/dam/jcr:404483a0-3309-4ac3-9a87-d3c9a87072e6/2019-bolman-38-01-montero.pdf

Resource type: pdf

Format: Texts

Owner: Arqueological National Museum of Spain (MAN) (Modernalia)

Abstract: The alloy of copper with tin appeared for the first time in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula in the Argaric period. In this study we have compiled all the published compositional analyses in order to assess the frequency and use of this alloy. The data show that some objects such as halberds were never made of bronze and that it is in personal adornments (bracelets, rings and earrings) that this alloy is most frequently detected. The chromatic effect of the metals and alloys (copper, bronze, silver) and their combination in grave goods or the greater or lesser social value given to the different metals seem to explain their choice and use better than the criteria of technological or functional improvement in this phase of the Bronze Age. It is suggested that the first bronzes may have been objects imported from other regions of the Iberian Peninsula or Europe.