Theme:
1. The Material Record: Current Trends and Future Directions
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
The Introduction of Tin Bronze in Prehistoric Europe
Content:
The introduction of tin bronze into prehistoric societies has not been synchronous throughout Europe. Understanding this phenomenon in all its breadth, chronologically, technologically and culturally, is the aim of this session. In general, neo-diffusionist visions coexist with alternative theories that propose multifocal origins. The relative scarcity of tin mineral resources and its restricted locations necessarily condition the introduction and consolidation of tin bronze, which may occur at varying rates regarding different regions. Also, the mere presence of tin bronze artefacts in one region does not necessarily imply the adoption of the entire production technology (from ores to metal), since their presence can be a result of imported metal. Combining data on absolute chronology, technological characteristics, metal composition and geochemical characterization (isotopic and trace analysis) at the regional level is necessary to draw a comprehensive overview of the introduction of bronze technology across Europe. The production of a collective map presents an opportunity to glimpse the degree of interrelation between different societies and territories and to discuss the most plausible models for the origin and/or spread of this alloy and/or technology. Likewise, the significance of the incorporation of tin bronze for prehistoric societies should be discussed, based on its usage. To comprehend its significance, it is essential to determine its relative frequency concerning other metals or alloys, the quality of its alloy, and its preferred application regarding the typology of the first bronze artefacts. Lastly, it is worth to discuss the reasons and timing of the alloy's consolidation at the expense of copper or arsenical copper alloy.
Keywords:
Metallurgy, Tin Bronze Alloy, Bronze Age, Absolute Chronology, Provenance
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:
Main organiser:
Aaron Lackinger (Spain) 1
Co-organisers:
Elin Figueiredo (Portugal) 2
Beatriz Comendador Rey (Spain) 3
Affiliations:
1. Universidad de Granada
2. Universidade Nova de Lisboa
3. Universidade de Vigo
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