BRONZE AGE PORTIONING OF RAW METALCONCEPTS, PATTERNS AND MEANING OF CASTING CAKES
BRONZE AGE PORTIONING OF RAW METALCONCEPTS, PATTERNS AND MEANING OF CASTING CAKES

Summary/Abstract: This study discusses the partition of casting cakes, one of the most common forms of raw metal during the European Bronze Age. The majority of the material derives from hoards where the items have been deposited as whole cakes and in partitions. Besides classifying and discussing aspects of manufacture and the material properties of casting cakes, special emphasis will be given to their partition patterns and the methods of their portioning. Using observations of tool marks and metal structure, these methods will be introduced and their advantages and disadvantages will be debated. The aim is to determine the meaning of partition of casting cakes within the Bronze Age metal circulation system.

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