Metal casting moulds in Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Poland. Current state of research
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8240506 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kamila Nowak (0000-0002-8137-0059), Kamil Nowak (0000-0003-2339-5407, Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 70 |
| Pages | 17-54 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Archeologia Polski (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0003-8180 • E-ISSN: 2719-7034 |
| Publisher | Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences (PUBLISHER • PL) |
| DOI | 10.23858/apol70.2025.02 |
| OpenAlex | W7117886482 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 19 |
This article presents the first comprehensive study of metal casting moulds from the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age discovered within present-day Poland. These artefacts, primarily made of tin bronze and unalloyed copper, were used in the direct casting of socketed axes, ornaments, and weapons. Drawing on recent discoveries, the study examines their technological characteristics, metal composition, and spatial distribution. Particular attention is given to manufacturing techniques of metal casting moulds, including lost-wax and ceramic mould-based methods. Comparative analysis places Polish finds within the broader Central European context, revealing shared technological traditions and regional variation. Experimental data support the interpretation that metal moulds were used for repeated direct casting, contradicting earlier views that they served only for model production. The concentration of finds in western Poland, often deposited in hoards of metals and in aquatic contexts, suggests diverse depositional practices of the metal moulds. This study not only expands the empirical base for understanding prehistoric metal casting in Poland but also contributes to ongoing discussions on metallurgical activities in Bronze and Early Iron Age Europe
Base metal · Bronze · Bronze Age · Casting · Interpretation (philosophy · Iron Age · Prehistory · Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Historical and Archaeological Studies
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| Highly cited | No |
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