The Characterisation of a Bronze Age Weapon Hoard
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The Characterisation of a Bronze Age Weapon Hoard J.P. Northover1 and S.D. Bridgford2, 1 Dept. of Materials, University of Oxford, Begbroke Business and Science Park, Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Oxford, OX5 1PF, UK 2 24 Vicarage Lane, Oxford, OX1 4RQ, UK ABSTRACT The study described here is based on the proposition that all events in the life of a bronze artefact, from the moment it was cast to the time it became available for characterisation, have the potential to leave a trace that can be identified by one or more metallographic methods. The hoard presented here was found at Waterden, Norfolk, England by metal detecting and excavation after it was scattered by the plough. The find comprises 201 fragments from approximately 130 swords and spearheads. It is important for understanding the evolution of the Bronze Age sword in Britain, and also for understanding the destruction and deposition of weapons in weapon-only assemblages. Besides a consideration of the hoard from a typological perspective the project used five methods of examination: a) a surface study for manufacturing traces, combat damage, possible cremation, and damage in the ground or at recovery, b) radiography, c) compositional analysis by electron probe microanalysis, d) optical metallography, and e) microhardness testing. This is the first occasion in which these techniques have been combined in the investigation of a complete hoard. It has been possible to divide the results from each technique into simple categories so that clear correlations can be made, so it can be shown that sword blades had more elaborate finishing than others, that some workshops had better casting practice than others and that the great majority of swords had combat damage. The effects of destruction and fire are also discussed and a context for the deposition of the hoard reconstructed. THE HOARD The county of Norfolk in eastern England has a rich record of prehistoric artefacts from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Because of a good working relationship with metal detectorists reporting of finds is good and the contexts of many finds can be explored archaeologically. The hoard site was first known after it was disturbed by ploughing in 1954; when the find was reported in 1964 some information had been lost but it was believed that the hoard had been, at least in part, in a ceramic container. Early in 1992 a large spread of Late Bronze Age sword and spearhead fragments was reported on the same area. That the site was indeed the same was confirmed when some of the fragments were found to join those discovered in 1954. Further finds were made with metal detectors during the ensuing months, one being a spearhead found 128m; away. Metal detecting also inevitably turns up more recent material but only a small amount of this was found. Finally in June 1994 an excavation was made of the area and further metalwork recovered. The identifiable Bronze Age metalwork consists entirely of Late Bronze Age swords and spearheads together with one sword rivet: 201 whole objects or fragments
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