The processing of Bronze in the region of the Baltic Sea. Archaeological and experimental studies on the production and utilization of metals in the Bronze Age of Estonia.

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Hans-Jörg Karlsen; Dr. Uwe Sperling
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 389172188

The project aims to finalize and complete the ongoing research (started 2018) into the production and exploitation of metals in Bronze Age Estonia. The archaeological work after having excavated a bronze casting area in Asva (Baltic Sea island of Saaremaa) is now about the final analysis and contextualization of the finds and structural remains of the production place. Material analyses on the archaeological metalwork finds (bronzes, casting molds) and those from casting experiments are seeking for further answers to bronze recycling practices (i.e. scrap as a resource) and technical-logistical aspects (chaîne opératoire) behind bronze production in the East Baltic Bronze Age. They also help discussing the matter of the purpose and function of ring shaped objects in Asva and other bronze production places. A number of ring bronzes from Swedish and Latvian hoarding contexts need to be examined as well, i.e. certain parameters of the employed casting technique and quality. Did the rings function as intermediates or as goods (ingots) in the bronze cycle or exchange? Are there any indications of controlled recycling of copper alloys from assorted scrap imports, and how to discern the technical skills and social relationships of the East Baltic metalworkers? The project finally includes a pilot study on wax as eminent resource in Bronze Age lost-wax casting processes – of how detecting and distinguishing any compositional elements of potential wax materials such as beeswax, tallow or resin. These archaeological, experimental and material-based project results are compiled and presented in a common monograph.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Estonia
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Valter Lang