More than sixty years ago, J. Kostrzewski pub-lished a paper titled Ze studiów nad ... more More than sixty years ago, J. Kostrzewski pub-lished a paper titled Ze studiów nad wczesnym okresem żelaznym w Polsce (Studies on the early Iron Age in Poland; in the German version Studien über die ältere Eisenzeit in Polen). The article was a product of his long-time research, readings and searches conducted during the turbulent first half of the 20th century. Kostrzewski’s work is still one of Poland’s basic chronological studies of the HaC and HaD. The text contained a substantial analysis of the “Kuy-avian bronzes”, also called the “Stanomin-style” dress acces-sories, named after the hoard from Stanomin.New finds, as well as 14C and dendrochronological datings, significantly changed our understanding of the cultural processes in Poland’s early Iron Age. The dating of the “Kuyavian bronzes” and the interpretation of the asso-ciated phenomena have never been the subject of a compre-hensive study. The following text shall focus on this specific category of metal artefacts – crucial for understanding the chronological variation of the Polish early Iron Age.
Bronze and Early Iron Age hoards in Poland are the focus of a multi-faceted study combining archi... more Bronze and Early Iron Age hoards in Poland are the focus of a multi-faceted study combining archival research with laboratory analyses and landscape studies. The diverse dataset is expected to reveal new insights into the phenomenon of metal deposition.
Inventory, offerings and rituals in the pre-Christian temples and sacred places of continental Europe and Mediterranean area (7th c. BC-2nd c. AD), V. Sîrbu and A. Peţan (eds), Alun, 2023
The south-eastern part of Poland is the terrain where the northern part of the Carpathian Mountai... more The south-eastern part of Poland is the terrain where the northern part of the Carpathian Mountains is situated. The main river in the region is the San, a tributary of the Vistula. Metal hoards in this area have been known since the Bronze Age. The article is focused on deposits discovered in Sanok-Biała Góra, Międzybrodzie and Pakoszówka. The hoard from Biała Góra contains 380 items made of bronze and iron. There were numerous fittings: shield-shape and oblong, volutes similar to the Salta-Leone type, a pendant, a ring and a few dozen iron objects, mostly preserved in fragments. The Międzybrodzie hoard included five curved knife blades, two straight-bladed knives and a horse bit. Two hoards of iron objects and fragments of bronze anklets made of hollow hemispheres were found in Pakoszówka. The hoard I consisted of a scythe, an intentionally fragmented knife, two adzes, a plough share and an axe, while in the hoard II contained four large sickle-shaped knives, fragments of a scythe, two chisels, three bridles and a pin with an eye. The “transcarpathian” character of the Międzybrodzie hoard is rather unquestionable, on the other hand the Pakoszówka deposits find analogies in significant areas occupied by the La Tène culture. Similar items can be found from Switzerland and Germany to Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and the Transcarpathian Ukraine. The interpretation of hoards of iron tools remains the subject of polemics.
The Baltic in the Bronze Age. Regional patterns, interactions and boundaries, 2022
In this text, we would like to propose clear determinants (as far as is possible in archaeology) ... more In this text, we would like to propose clear determinants (as far as is possible in archaeology) which can indicate the relationship of a given hoard with metallurgical activity, and will also help determine the degree of this relationship – a metalworking index. We will also try to use this tool for a selected group of finds and indicate similarities or differences. On the one hand, this is a proposal for a discussion about hoards with elements related to metalworking (while not imposing a clear interpretation as “bronzesmith’s hoards”). On the other, this is a reflection on the specificity of both the hoards containing this type of artefacts, as well as more broadly on the organisation of metallurgical production and other aspects of Bronze Age social structure associated with the acquisition, production, distribution, use and decommissioning (depositing) of metal artefacts, including the social position of the people involved.
Archaeologia. Pomoranica. Musealia. Studia z okazji 80. urodzin Ignacego Skrzypka, 2020
Mobility is one of the hallmarks of the Bronze Age. This was formerly indicated on the basis of d... more Mobility is one of the hallmarks of the Bronze Age. This was formerly indicated on the basis of distribution of raw materials and artifacts (mainly metal), nowadays research on solid isotopes (e.g. the Egtved girl), which enable us to look at the movement from the perspective of individuals, confirm it dynamics. Already in the 1930s, routes were marked by connecting dozens of dots (which symbolised hoards of metal objects) on maps covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, this approach was practiced for the next decades. Looking at the hoards of metal objects from a different perspective – by focusing on individual finds, in the context of the natural landscape and other archaeological finds, give us the possibillity to understand how the deposition sites of metal artifacts shaped the Bronze Age landscape. Finds from Rosko and Karmin, which were deposited in a way indicating that the deposition site was not accidental, could be as good an example. What is more, they were deposited in charachteristc places – near the Ice-marginal valleys (broad glacial valleys), which separate historical regions (Pomerania, Wielkopolska and Silesia). Thanks to this, it will be possible to present the meaning of hoards in the landscape, as well as the way of understanding how the routes functioned in the Bronze Age. Their connection with clearly indicated physical boundaries, especially with places of thier crosssing, highlights the meaning of routes on mapa moundi of the Bronze Age.
CHASING BRONZE AGE RAINBOWS STUDIES ON HOARDS AND RELATED PHENOMENA IN PREHISTORIC EUROPE IN HONOUR OF WOJCIECH BLAJER, 2019
Nice bronzes in ugly pots. On the containers of the Bronze Age metal deposits from Karmin in SW P... more Nice bronzes in ugly pots. On the containers of the Bronze Age metal deposits from Karmin in SW Poland. Vessels containing deposits of metal items only exceptionally are subject to detailed studies. Only laconic remarks on the presence of pottery sherds or information that metal items were stored in a vessel or vessels are most often published. It seems that metal artefacts are perceived more valuable and thus deserving more attention, while pottery – most often the aesthetically unappealing kitchenware – is considered too plain to be interesting. The paper discusses technological and chemical properties of ceramic vessels from Bronze Age hoards from Karmin, Milicz district, in SW Poland.
A Late Bronze Age hoard from Karmin, Poland, contained 16 socketed axes, half of which were made ... more A Late Bronze Age hoard from Karmin, Poland, contained 16 socketed axes, half of which were made of copper. The copper axes represent the same local type as the bronze objects and bear the same traces of manufacturing and use. The authors argue that the move to copper was a response to unexpected difficulties in the tin supply.
Chasing Bronze Age rainbows. Studies on hoards and related phenomena in prehistoric Europe in honour of Wojciech Blajer, 2019
In the midst of Godelier, Facebook and bloody forays. Several comments on metal and its availabil... more In the midst of Godelier, Facebook and bloody forays. Several comments on metal and its availability in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. This paper consists of several impressions on the subject of the availability of metal among communities of the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. The discussion therefore leads the reader on a journey between Oceania, the British Isles, the Bóbr River basin, Pomerania, northern Wielkopolska and the Apennine Peninsula – with the hope that the arguments advanced shall constitute an impetus towards considerations on the availability of metal in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, as well as being a voice in the general research discussion focused around this very issue. A number of questions can therefore be posed, such as: Who had the right to possess metal tools? Were differences in the frequency of metal objects, especially those out of copper and its alloys in various regions of the continent, a testimony to a community’s access to a network of exchange? Or were perhaps the intensive contacts initiated because of the desire and possibility to make use of metal? Was bronze in fact so rare that some communities did not have the means to acquire it, or were lower amounts in this context associated with cultural norms, or in fact ones that limited its exploitation?
Although studies of production traces and use-wear in copper and bronze artefacts have been condu... more Although studies of production traces and use-wear in copper and bronze artefacts have been conducted already for a few decades, the influence of the conservation on these items did not receive much scholarly attention. It seems quite surprising, as traceological analyses focus most often on conserved artefacts from museum collections. In the following article, the authors examine the impact the conservation has on traces of production and use-wear in bronze artefacts coming from three Bronze Age hoards: Karmin IV, Paszowice and Lubnowy Wielkie. All deposits have been analysed both before and after the conservation. Our results show that traces of production and use-wear might either become highlighted or fade in the conservation process. Thus, we should be extremely cautious when examining copper and bronze artefacts for the presence of these traces. The problem is especially critical for items which were not examined directly after the discovery but come from the already conserved museum collections.
Recent years have brought many significant changes when talking about research on the Early Iron ... more Recent years have brought many significant changes when talking about research on the Early Iron Age in Poland, also in terms of the chronology method applying to most essential artifacts. Typology schemes and basis of dating process of metal objects, especially so-called Kujawy bronzes, also called ornaments in the Stanomin style are which belong to one of the most important groups that kind, undoubtedly need to be refined and verified. That was the purpose of my museum queries. The presented text is a proposal of new systematic of analyzed Stanomin style ornaments, based on their metric values and clearly defined features collected and described on the ground of these museum research. The proposed typological divisions are based on basic statistical methods and multivariate cluster analysis. The research also uses analysis of the distribution of particular types of bronze artifacts. The text also includes comments about use-wear traces visible on some bronze artifacts and the research potential resulting from the use of these observations in studies on the periodization of the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
Abstract
The phenomenon of depositing various types of goods was practiced in Europe across the annals of all time. Known from the Bronze Age and in some regions of the continent, also from the Early Iron Age, metal object hoards are one of the most spectacular and easiest for identification as well as the most often recorded and analyzed illustration of this phenomenon. In being a specific category of archaeological finds in many respects – as far as the meaning of these practices in the culture of prehistoric communities, as well as the circumstances of their discovery – they were for many decades investigated in a particular way. In this context, unusually high emphasis was placed on typological analysis and the dominant forms of research were regional monographs.
The resulting impasse of using limited data for the purposes of argumentation in favour of one of the hypotheses (sacral or profane) was underscored in the literature many a time. Both the development of archaeology and the significant growth of the number of newly discovered metal artefact assemblages, leads one to considerations over the appropriate means for conducting research on these enigmatic finds. The past few years have brought a series of new research propositions in respect to the means of investigating and interpreting this very phenomenon. The hoard from Rosko one could argue is not only worth exemplification on account of the significant research information it brings, but also as a means of indicating how research on hoards may be conducted.
Résumé
Le phénomène du dépôt de différents types d’objets fut pratiqué en Europe depuis la nuit des temps. Sa manifestation la plus spectaculaire et la mieux identifiable, qui fait l’objet de la plupart des observations et analyses, se traduit sous la forme de dépôts d’objets en métal connus de l’âge du Bronze et, dans certaines régions, du début de l’âge du Fer. Considérés à plusieurs égards comme une catégorie spécifique de trouvailles archéologiques – quant à la signification de ces pratiques dans la culture des communautés préhistoriques et les circonstances de leur découverte –, ils furent examinés d’une manière particulière. On y mettait particulièrement l’accent sur l’analyse typologique et la recherche publiait ses résultats généralement sous forme de monographies régionales.
L’impasse résultant de l’usage de données limitées dans le but d’argumenter en faveur d’une des hypothèses (sacré ou profane) a été soulignée plusieurs fois dans la littérature. Tant le développement de l’archéologie que l’augmentation significative du nombre de nouveaux ensembles d’artefacts en métal découverts récemment nous poussent à réfléchir aux moyens appropriés de poursuivre les recherches sur ces terrains énigmatiques. Ces dernières années ont amené une série de propositions concernant les modes de fouille et d’interprétation de ce phénomène. On pourrait affirmer que le dépôt de Rosko n’est pas seulement exemplaire par les informations scientifiques significatives qu’il livre, mais aussi du fait qu’il indique comment on pourrait poursuivre la recherche sur les dépôts.
Zusammenfassung
Deponierungen von Objekten lassen sich für zahlreiche Perioden Europas nachweisen. Die Identifizierung der oft spektakulären Metallobjekte, wie sie aus der Bronze- und Eisenzeit bekannt sind, fällt in aller Regel leicht. Als spezifische Kategorie archäologischer Funde wurde diese Fundgattung über Jahrzehnte hinweg in vielerlei Hinsicht erforscht, insbesondere was die Umstände ihrer Entdeckung betrifft als auch hinsichtlich der Deutung solcher Praktiken für die prähistorischen Gemeinschaften. Der typologischen Analyse wurde dabei regelhaft ein ungewöhnlich hoher Stellenwert eingeräumt, und die Mehrzahl aller Untersuchungen liegt in monografischer Form vor. Die an die Befundgattung herangetragenen Fragestellungen und die letztendliche Auswertungsform angesichts einer begrenzten Datenbasis führten die Forschung jedoch in eine Sackgasse, standen doch vielfach nur die Hypothesen einer sakralen oder profanen Niederlegung im Mittelpunkt der Betrachtungen. Diese Problematik wurde erkannt und in der Literatur als Problemfeld mehrfach herausgestellt. Sowohl die Entwicklung der Archäologie als auch die signifikante Zunahme neu entdeckter Metallartefakte führten inzwischen zu Überlegungen über geeignete Mittel zur Erforschung dieser rätselhaften Funde. In den letzten Jahren versuchte man schließlich, sich dem Phänomen auf Basis neuer Methoden und aus einer anderen Perspektive zu nähern. Beispielhaft für diese Entwicklung wird im Folgenden der Hort von Rosko vorgestellt, der sowohl neue Informationen vermittelte als auch weitere Möglichkeiten zur Forschung an Horten eröffnete.
Abstrakt
Fenomen deponowania różnego rodzaju dóbr praktykowany był w Europie na przestrzeni całych pradziejów. Znane z epoki brązu, a w niektórych regionach kontynentu również ze wczesnej epoki żelaza, skarby przedmiotów metalowych są jedną z najbardziej spektakularnych i łatwych do zidentyfikowania, a przy tym także najczęściej opisywaną i analizowaną emanacją tego zjawiska. Będące specyficzną pod wieloma względami kategorią znalezisk archeologicznych – tak jeśli chodzi o znaczenie tych aktów w praktyce kulturowej dawnych społeczności, jak również okoliczności ich odkrywania – przez dekady były badane w specyficzny sposób. Wyjątkowy nacisk kładziony był na analizy typologiczne, a dominującą formą opracowań były monografie regionalne. Impas wynikający z wykorzystywania ograniczonej liczby przesłanek do argumentacji na rzecz jednego z podejść (sakralne/profaniczne) podkreślany był w literaturze niejednokrotnie. Zarówno rozwój archeologii, jak i znaczny wzrost liczby nowoodkrywanych zespołów artefaktów metalowych, skłania do rozważań nad sposobem, który byłby właściwy dla prowadzenia badań nad tymi enigmatycznymi znaleziskami. Ostatnie lata przyniosły szereg nowych propozycji dotyczących sposobu badania i interpretowania tego fenomenu. Skarb z Roska nie tylko wart jest zaprezentowania z racji wielu wartościowych naukowo informacji, które przynosi, ale także w celu wskazania jak badania nad skarbami mogą być prowadzone.
The excavation research carried out at Rosko, site 4 revealed a number of finds: 246 archaeologic... more The excavation research carried out at Rosko, site 4 revealed a number of finds: 246 archaeological features and approximately 15,000 portable sources. They describe a 10,000 year history of settlement of a sand elevation located in the Noteć valley. Both in this location and in this part of the Noteć basin, the most intense settlement took place in the period of functioning of the Lusatian Urnfield culture. Sources associated with earliest phases of the Bronze Age are also very important. In terms of quantity, this assemblage is not impressive, but due to the limited knowledge about the early stages of the Bronze Age in this part of northern Greater Poland, it is of great research value. Equally interesting is the location of this elevation, suggesting its significance in contacts both along the Noteć and between Greater Poland and Pomerania. The typological analysis of the assemblage in question is an introduction to short considerations on the continuity and repeatability of settlement of the studied sand elevation, and the reflection on the perception of the place and the role of memory in traditional societies.
Badania wykopaliskowe na stanowisku Rosko 4 ujawniły szereg znalezisk: 246 obiektów archeologicznych i około 15 000 źródeł ruchomych. Opisują one 10 000-letnią historię zasiedlania piaskowego wyniesienia zlokalizowanego w dolinie Noteci. Zarówno w tym miejscu, jak i w tej części dorzecza Noteci, najbardziej intensywne osadnictwo przypada na okres funkcjonowania łużyckich pól popielnicowych. Źródła wiązane z wcześniejszymi fazami epoki brązu również są bardzo istotne. Ilościowo zbiór ten nie jest okazały, ale z racji ograniczonej wiedzy na temat wczesnych stadiów epoki brązu w tej części północnej Wielkopolski, ma on dużą wartość naukową. Równie interesujące jest położenie tego wyniesienia sugerujące jego znaczenie w kontaktach zarówno wzdłuż Noteci, jak i między Wielkopolską a Pomorzem. Analiza typologiczna opisywanego zbioru jest wstępem do krótkich rozważań nad ciągłością i powtarzalnością zasiedlenia badanego piaskowego wyniesienia oraz refleksji nad postrzeganiem miejsca i rolą pamięci w społecznościach tradycyjnych.
Vir Bimaris. Od kujawskiego matecznika do stepów nadczarnomorskich. Studia z dziejów międzymorza bałtycko-pontyjskiego ofiarowane Profesorowi Aleksandrowi Kośko (Archaeologia Bimaris. Dyskusje 5), 2019
An archaeologist, watching small material fragments of evidence
that have been extracted from the... more An archaeologist, watching small material fragments of evidence that have been extracted from the complex world of meanings and relationships, tries to understand the entire mental reality. Frequently, all he/she can do is to trace even the most minute differences and similarities between finds from distant places. This is particularly true when his/her aim is to understand dynamic processes characteristic of the Early Iron Age and especially its younger stage (HaD) when the stable cultural model, known as Lusatian Urnfields, disintegrated. Phenomena from that time reflected in archaeological sources are variously interpreted: we are witnessing the emergence of a new perspective on many aspects of the historical processes that were going on at that time. They include advancing challenges to the homogeneity of the 'Lusation culture’, expansion of the source base as a result of investigations preceding motorway constructions and corrections to classic chronologies. Today, we are aware that it is not possible to describe — relying on a single model — the special nature of relations between the communities of Lusatian Urnfields, representing a type of culture embedded in the Late Bronze tradition, and Early Iron Age groups from North Pontic areas. Their improved description and understanding is no doubt part of the new view on the cultural processes taking place in the Early Iron Age. The article is only a minor contribution — that from the perspective of a single location and few rather unspectacular sources — attempts to form part of this narrative.
More than sixty years ago, J. Kostrzewski pub-lished a paper titled Ze studiów nad ... more More than sixty years ago, J. Kostrzewski pub-lished a paper titled Ze studiów nad wczesnym okresem żelaznym w Polsce (Studies on the early Iron Age in Poland; in the German version Studien über die ältere Eisenzeit in Polen). The article was a product of his long-time research, readings and searches conducted during the turbulent first half of the 20th century. Kostrzewski’s work is still one of Poland’s basic chronological studies of the HaC and HaD. The text contained a substantial analysis of the “Kuy-avian bronzes”, also called the “Stanomin-style” dress acces-sories, named after the hoard from Stanomin.New finds, as well as 14C and dendrochronological datings, significantly changed our understanding of the cultural processes in Poland’s early Iron Age. The dating of the “Kuyavian bronzes” and the interpretation of the asso-ciated phenomena have never been the subject of a compre-hensive study. The following text shall focus on this specific category of metal artefacts – crucial for understanding the chronological variation of the Polish early Iron Age.
Bronze and Early Iron Age hoards in Poland are the focus of a multi-faceted study combining archi... more Bronze and Early Iron Age hoards in Poland are the focus of a multi-faceted study combining archival research with laboratory analyses and landscape studies. The diverse dataset is expected to reveal new insights into the phenomenon of metal deposition.
Inventory, offerings and rituals in the pre-Christian temples and sacred places of continental Europe and Mediterranean area (7th c. BC-2nd c. AD), V. Sîrbu and A. Peţan (eds), Alun, 2023
The south-eastern part of Poland is the terrain where the northern part of the Carpathian Mountai... more The south-eastern part of Poland is the terrain where the northern part of the Carpathian Mountains is situated. The main river in the region is the San, a tributary of the Vistula. Metal hoards in this area have been known since the Bronze Age. The article is focused on deposits discovered in Sanok-Biała Góra, Międzybrodzie and Pakoszówka. The hoard from Biała Góra contains 380 items made of bronze and iron. There were numerous fittings: shield-shape and oblong, volutes similar to the Salta-Leone type, a pendant, a ring and a few dozen iron objects, mostly preserved in fragments. The Międzybrodzie hoard included five curved knife blades, two straight-bladed knives and a horse bit. Two hoards of iron objects and fragments of bronze anklets made of hollow hemispheres were found in Pakoszówka. The hoard I consisted of a scythe, an intentionally fragmented knife, two adzes, a plough share and an axe, while in the hoard II contained four large sickle-shaped knives, fragments of a scythe, two chisels, three bridles and a pin with an eye. The “transcarpathian” character of the Międzybrodzie hoard is rather unquestionable, on the other hand the Pakoszówka deposits find analogies in significant areas occupied by the La Tène culture. Similar items can be found from Switzerland and Germany to Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and the Transcarpathian Ukraine. The interpretation of hoards of iron tools remains the subject of polemics.
The Baltic in the Bronze Age. Regional patterns, interactions and boundaries, 2022
In this text, we would like to propose clear determinants (as far as is possible in archaeology) ... more In this text, we would like to propose clear determinants (as far as is possible in archaeology) which can indicate the relationship of a given hoard with metallurgical activity, and will also help determine the degree of this relationship – a metalworking index. We will also try to use this tool for a selected group of finds and indicate similarities or differences. On the one hand, this is a proposal for a discussion about hoards with elements related to metalworking (while not imposing a clear interpretation as “bronzesmith’s hoards”). On the other, this is a reflection on the specificity of both the hoards containing this type of artefacts, as well as more broadly on the organisation of metallurgical production and other aspects of Bronze Age social structure associated with the acquisition, production, distribution, use and decommissioning (depositing) of metal artefacts, including the social position of the people involved.
Archaeologia. Pomoranica. Musealia. Studia z okazji 80. urodzin Ignacego Skrzypka, 2020
Mobility is one of the hallmarks of the Bronze Age. This was formerly indicated on the basis of d... more Mobility is one of the hallmarks of the Bronze Age. This was formerly indicated on the basis of distribution of raw materials and artifacts (mainly metal), nowadays research on solid isotopes (e.g. the Egtved girl), which enable us to look at the movement from the perspective of individuals, confirm it dynamics. Already in the 1930s, routes were marked by connecting dozens of dots (which symbolised hoards of metal objects) on maps covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, this approach was practiced for the next decades. Looking at the hoards of metal objects from a different perspective – by focusing on individual finds, in the context of the natural landscape and other archaeological finds, give us the possibillity to understand how the deposition sites of metal artifacts shaped the Bronze Age landscape. Finds from Rosko and Karmin, which were deposited in a way indicating that the deposition site was not accidental, could be as good an example. What is more, they were deposited in charachteristc places – near the Ice-marginal valleys (broad glacial valleys), which separate historical regions (Pomerania, Wielkopolska and Silesia). Thanks to this, it will be possible to present the meaning of hoards in the landscape, as well as the way of understanding how the routes functioned in the Bronze Age. Their connection with clearly indicated physical boundaries, especially with places of thier crosssing, highlights the meaning of routes on mapa moundi of the Bronze Age.
CHASING BRONZE AGE RAINBOWS STUDIES ON HOARDS AND RELATED PHENOMENA IN PREHISTORIC EUROPE IN HONOUR OF WOJCIECH BLAJER, 2019
Nice bronzes in ugly pots. On the containers of the Bronze Age metal deposits from Karmin in SW P... more Nice bronzes in ugly pots. On the containers of the Bronze Age metal deposits from Karmin in SW Poland. Vessels containing deposits of metal items only exceptionally are subject to detailed studies. Only laconic remarks on the presence of pottery sherds or information that metal items were stored in a vessel or vessels are most often published. It seems that metal artefacts are perceived more valuable and thus deserving more attention, while pottery – most often the aesthetically unappealing kitchenware – is considered too plain to be interesting. The paper discusses technological and chemical properties of ceramic vessels from Bronze Age hoards from Karmin, Milicz district, in SW Poland.
A Late Bronze Age hoard from Karmin, Poland, contained 16 socketed axes, half of which were made ... more A Late Bronze Age hoard from Karmin, Poland, contained 16 socketed axes, half of which were made of copper. The copper axes represent the same local type as the bronze objects and bear the same traces of manufacturing and use. The authors argue that the move to copper was a response to unexpected difficulties in the tin supply.
Chasing Bronze Age rainbows. Studies on hoards and related phenomena in prehistoric Europe in honour of Wojciech Blajer, 2019
In the midst of Godelier, Facebook and bloody forays. Several comments on metal and its availabil... more In the midst of Godelier, Facebook and bloody forays. Several comments on metal and its availability in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. This paper consists of several impressions on the subject of the availability of metal among communities of the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. The discussion therefore leads the reader on a journey between Oceania, the British Isles, the Bóbr River basin, Pomerania, northern Wielkopolska and the Apennine Peninsula – with the hope that the arguments advanced shall constitute an impetus towards considerations on the availability of metal in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, as well as being a voice in the general research discussion focused around this very issue. A number of questions can therefore be posed, such as: Who had the right to possess metal tools? Were differences in the frequency of metal objects, especially those out of copper and its alloys in various regions of the continent, a testimony to a community’s access to a network of exchange? Or were perhaps the intensive contacts initiated because of the desire and possibility to make use of metal? Was bronze in fact so rare that some communities did not have the means to acquire it, or were lower amounts in this context associated with cultural norms, or in fact ones that limited its exploitation?
Although studies of production traces and use-wear in copper and bronze artefacts have been condu... more Although studies of production traces and use-wear in copper and bronze artefacts have been conducted already for a few decades, the influence of the conservation on these items did not receive much scholarly attention. It seems quite surprising, as traceological analyses focus most often on conserved artefacts from museum collections. In the following article, the authors examine the impact the conservation has on traces of production and use-wear in bronze artefacts coming from three Bronze Age hoards: Karmin IV, Paszowice and Lubnowy Wielkie. All deposits have been analysed both before and after the conservation. Our results show that traces of production and use-wear might either become highlighted or fade in the conservation process. Thus, we should be extremely cautious when examining copper and bronze artefacts for the presence of these traces. The problem is especially critical for items which were not examined directly after the discovery but come from the already conserved museum collections.
Recent years have brought many significant changes when talking about research on the Early Iron ... more Recent years have brought many significant changes when talking about research on the Early Iron Age in Poland, also in terms of the chronology method applying to most essential artifacts. Typology schemes and basis of dating process of metal objects, especially so-called Kujawy bronzes, also called ornaments in the Stanomin style are which belong to one of the most important groups that kind, undoubtedly need to be refined and verified. That was the purpose of my museum queries. The presented text is a proposal of new systematic of analyzed Stanomin style ornaments, based on their metric values and clearly defined features collected and described on the ground of these museum research. The proposed typological divisions are based on basic statistical methods and multivariate cluster analysis. The research also uses analysis of the distribution of particular types of bronze artifacts. The text also includes comments about use-wear traces visible on some bronze artifacts and the research potential resulting from the use of these observations in studies on the periodization of the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
Abstract
The phenomenon of depositing various types of goods was practiced in Europe across the annals of all time. Known from the Bronze Age and in some regions of the continent, also from the Early Iron Age, metal object hoards are one of the most spectacular and easiest for identification as well as the most often recorded and analyzed illustration of this phenomenon. In being a specific category of archaeological finds in many respects – as far as the meaning of these practices in the culture of prehistoric communities, as well as the circumstances of their discovery – they were for many decades investigated in a particular way. In this context, unusually high emphasis was placed on typological analysis and the dominant forms of research were regional monographs.
The resulting impasse of using limited data for the purposes of argumentation in favour of one of the hypotheses (sacral or profane) was underscored in the literature many a time. Both the development of archaeology and the significant growth of the number of newly discovered metal artefact assemblages, leads one to considerations over the appropriate means for conducting research on these enigmatic finds. The past few years have brought a series of new research propositions in respect to the means of investigating and interpreting this very phenomenon. The hoard from Rosko one could argue is not only worth exemplification on account of the significant research information it brings, but also as a means of indicating how research on hoards may be conducted.
Résumé
Le phénomène du dépôt de différents types d’objets fut pratiqué en Europe depuis la nuit des temps. Sa manifestation la plus spectaculaire et la mieux identifiable, qui fait l’objet de la plupart des observations et analyses, se traduit sous la forme de dépôts d’objets en métal connus de l’âge du Bronze et, dans certaines régions, du début de l’âge du Fer. Considérés à plusieurs égards comme une catégorie spécifique de trouvailles archéologiques – quant à la signification de ces pratiques dans la culture des communautés préhistoriques et les circonstances de leur découverte –, ils furent examinés d’une manière particulière. On y mettait particulièrement l’accent sur l’analyse typologique et la recherche publiait ses résultats généralement sous forme de monographies régionales.
L’impasse résultant de l’usage de données limitées dans le but d’argumenter en faveur d’une des hypothèses (sacré ou profane) a été soulignée plusieurs fois dans la littérature. Tant le développement de l’archéologie que l’augmentation significative du nombre de nouveaux ensembles d’artefacts en métal découverts récemment nous poussent à réfléchir aux moyens appropriés de poursuivre les recherches sur ces terrains énigmatiques. Ces dernières années ont amené une série de propositions concernant les modes de fouille et d’interprétation de ce phénomène. On pourrait affirmer que le dépôt de Rosko n’est pas seulement exemplaire par les informations scientifiques significatives qu’il livre, mais aussi du fait qu’il indique comment on pourrait poursuivre la recherche sur les dépôts.
Zusammenfassung
Deponierungen von Objekten lassen sich für zahlreiche Perioden Europas nachweisen. Die Identifizierung der oft spektakulären Metallobjekte, wie sie aus der Bronze- und Eisenzeit bekannt sind, fällt in aller Regel leicht. Als spezifische Kategorie archäologischer Funde wurde diese Fundgattung über Jahrzehnte hinweg in vielerlei Hinsicht erforscht, insbesondere was die Umstände ihrer Entdeckung betrifft als auch hinsichtlich der Deutung solcher Praktiken für die prähistorischen Gemeinschaften. Der typologischen Analyse wurde dabei regelhaft ein ungewöhnlich hoher Stellenwert eingeräumt, und die Mehrzahl aller Untersuchungen liegt in monografischer Form vor. Die an die Befundgattung herangetragenen Fragestellungen und die letztendliche Auswertungsform angesichts einer begrenzten Datenbasis führten die Forschung jedoch in eine Sackgasse, standen doch vielfach nur die Hypothesen einer sakralen oder profanen Niederlegung im Mittelpunkt der Betrachtungen. Diese Problematik wurde erkannt und in der Literatur als Problemfeld mehrfach herausgestellt. Sowohl die Entwicklung der Archäologie als auch die signifikante Zunahme neu entdeckter Metallartefakte führten inzwischen zu Überlegungen über geeignete Mittel zur Erforschung dieser rätselhaften Funde. In den letzten Jahren versuchte man schließlich, sich dem Phänomen auf Basis neuer Methoden und aus einer anderen Perspektive zu nähern. Beispielhaft für diese Entwicklung wird im Folgenden der Hort von Rosko vorgestellt, der sowohl neue Informationen vermittelte als auch weitere Möglichkeiten zur Forschung an Horten eröffnete.
Abstrakt
Fenomen deponowania różnego rodzaju dóbr praktykowany był w Europie na przestrzeni całych pradziejów. Znane z epoki brązu, a w niektórych regionach kontynentu również ze wczesnej epoki żelaza, skarby przedmiotów metalowych są jedną z najbardziej spektakularnych i łatwych do zidentyfikowania, a przy tym także najczęściej opisywaną i analizowaną emanacją tego zjawiska. Będące specyficzną pod wieloma względami kategorią znalezisk archeologicznych – tak jeśli chodzi o znaczenie tych aktów w praktyce kulturowej dawnych społeczności, jak również okoliczności ich odkrywania – przez dekady były badane w specyficzny sposób. Wyjątkowy nacisk kładziony był na analizy typologiczne, a dominującą formą opracowań były monografie regionalne. Impas wynikający z wykorzystywania ograniczonej liczby przesłanek do argumentacji na rzecz jednego z podejść (sakralne/profaniczne) podkreślany był w literaturze niejednokrotnie. Zarówno rozwój archeologii, jak i znaczny wzrost liczby nowoodkrywanych zespołów artefaktów metalowych, skłania do rozważań nad sposobem, który byłby właściwy dla prowadzenia badań nad tymi enigmatycznymi znaleziskami. Ostatnie lata przyniosły szereg nowych propozycji dotyczących sposobu badania i interpretowania tego fenomenu. Skarb z Roska nie tylko wart jest zaprezentowania z racji wielu wartościowych naukowo informacji, które przynosi, ale także w celu wskazania jak badania nad skarbami mogą być prowadzone.
The excavation research carried out at Rosko, site 4 revealed a number of finds: 246 archaeologic... more The excavation research carried out at Rosko, site 4 revealed a number of finds: 246 archaeological features and approximately 15,000 portable sources. They describe a 10,000 year history of settlement of a sand elevation located in the Noteć valley. Both in this location and in this part of the Noteć basin, the most intense settlement took place in the period of functioning of the Lusatian Urnfield culture. Sources associated with earliest phases of the Bronze Age are also very important. In terms of quantity, this assemblage is not impressive, but due to the limited knowledge about the early stages of the Bronze Age in this part of northern Greater Poland, it is of great research value. Equally interesting is the location of this elevation, suggesting its significance in contacts both along the Noteć and between Greater Poland and Pomerania. The typological analysis of the assemblage in question is an introduction to short considerations on the continuity and repeatability of settlement of the studied sand elevation, and the reflection on the perception of the place and the role of memory in traditional societies.
Badania wykopaliskowe na stanowisku Rosko 4 ujawniły szereg znalezisk: 246 obiektów archeologicznych i około 15 000 źródeł ruchomych. Opisują one 10 000-letnią historię zasiedlania piaskowego wyniesienia zlokalizowanego w dolinie Noteci. Zarówno w tym miejscu, jak i w tej części dorzecza Noteci, najbardziej intensywne osadnictwo przypada na okres funkcjonowania łużyckich pól popielnicowych. Źródła wiązane z wcześniejszymi fazami epoki brązu również są bardzo istotne. Ilościowo zbiór ten nie jest okazały, ale z racji ograniczonej wiedzy na temat wczesnych stadiów epoki brązu w tej części północnej Wielkopolski, ma on dużą wartość naukową. Równie interesujące jest położenie tego wyniesienia sugerujące jego znaczenie w kontaktach zarówno wzdłuż Noteci, jak i między Wielkopolską a Pomorzem. Analiza typologiczna opisywanego zbioru jest wstępem do krótkich rozważań nad ciągłością i powtarzalnością zasiedlenia badanego piaskowego wyniesienia oraz refleksji nad postrzeganiem miejsca i rolą pamięci w społecznościach tradycyjnych.
Vir Bimaris. Od kujawskiego matecznika do stepów nadczarnomorskich. Studia z dziejów międzymorza bałtycko-pontyjskiego ofiarowane Profesorowi Aleksandrowi Kośko (Archaeologia Bimaris. Dyskusje 5), 2019
An archaeologist, watching small material fragments of evidence
that have been extracted from the... more An archaeologist, watching small material fragments of evidence that have been extracted from the complex world of meanings and relationships, tries to understand the entire mental reality. Frequently, all he/she can do is to trace even the most minute differences and similarities between finds from distant places. This is particularly true when his/her aim is to understand dynamic processes characteristic of the Early Iron Age and especially its younger stage (HaD) when the stable cultural model, known as Lusatian Urnfields, disintegrated. Phenomena from that time reflected in archaeological sources are variously interpreted: we are witnessing the emergence of a new perspective on many aspects of the historical processes that were going on at that time. They include advancing challenges to the homogeneity of the 'Lusation culture’, expansion of the source base as a result of investigations preceding motorway constructions and corrections to classic chronologies. Today, we are aware that it is not possible to describe — relying on a single model — the special nature of relations between the communities of Lusatian Urnfields, representing a type of culture embedded in the Late Bronze tradition, and Early Iron Age groups from North Pontic areas. Their improved description and understanding is no doubt part of the new view on the cultural processes taking place in the Early Iron Age. The article is only a minor contribution — that from the perspective of a single location and few rather unspectacular sources — attempts to form part of this narrative.
Many new, “accidentally discovered” hoards of metal items and coins have entered Polish museums i... more Many new, “accidentally discovered” hoards of metal items and coins have entered Polish museums in recent years. Most of them were extracted from their deposition contexts by non-professionals. Sometimes, information on the exact place of discovery was not even provided or false circumstances of the discovery were given. On the other hand, amateur investigators conducting metal detector surveys are increasingly aware of the significance of the archaeological contexts and some hoards are excavated by archaeologists cooperating with non-professionals. A hoard from Sanok (Biała Góra) is an example of such a deposit. Not only was it excavated following the principles of archaeological methodology, but also using extraordinary methods. The extracted block of soil containing the hoard was later handled in controlled laboratory conditions. The exploration method made it possible to acquire information on the arrangement of even very fine metal artefacts and to take various samples of organic substances. The hoard from Sanok (Biała Góra) and four other hoards recently discovered in the Carpathian Foothills near Sanok went through multi-faceted studies. The poster will present the find circumstances of the Sanok (Biała Góra) hoard, methods of its examination and study results, as well as refer to other deposits, especially in terms of the lost scientific information.
Poster on The Archaeology of Woodlands / Archeologia obszarów leśnych Conference in Białowieża 19-21 April 2018
A hoard of bronze artifacts dated at the end of Bronze Age (period V of the Bronze Age - ca. 950-... more A hoard of bronze artifacts dated at the end of Bronze Age (period V of the Bronze Age - ca. 950-800/750 BC fig. 7) was found in Stołężyn, Wapno commune, at the beginning of the 20th century. According to archival records it took place in a forest in Stołężyn village in “a large stone heap”. The witnesses' account written down in 1915 provides that the abovementioned heap was levelled, whereas the stones were used while building a road. However, there is no precise information concerning location of this place (fig. 4). The report, which indicates that the metal artefacts were deposited in a monumental construction, is very interesting, particularly as far as findings from Rosko, Wieleń commune and Kaliszanki, Wągrowiec commune are concerned. These hoards were also deposited in constructions with stone elements (fig. 2-3). This mode of deposit of metal objects call a question into an interpretation repeated in archaeological literature indicating the fact of randomness of deposit of metal objects sets in the Bronze Age.
The construction connected with the hoard from Rosko, Wieleń commune remained unimpaired until the 1930s, mainly due to the fact that just then the forest growing on this area was cleared. It was excavated at the beginning of the 21st century (fig. 2). The construction related to the Kaliszanki hoard, Wągrowiec commune is still an integral component of the landscape, whose character (Rosko type or mound type construction) still needs verification (fig. 3). This situation is similar to a deposit place of Stołężyn hoard, therefore the determining of its location is of great significance.
The location of the relicts of the mentioned construction seems to be more complex. In this case, the very record, that it was located in a forest, together with all available cartographical sources allow to determine a probable area of the hoard deposit. At the beginning of the 20th century there is only one forestal complex in the proximity of Stołężyn village (fig. 6). Bearing in mind that location is known only in cases of about 20 % of deposits of metal objects, such general information is already of scientific value. Nevertheless, in order to determine character of the described construction, it is necessary to show its exact location. The abovementioned information about levelling the stone construction may imply that it might be impossible to determine that place. On the other hand, the awareness of the diverse character of forest management in relation to agricultural one allows to hope that certain remains of the stone construction will still be possible to find. Taking it into consideration, the numeric terrain models basic analysis created on the basis of laser scanning does not seem to be the right method to provide unambiguous indications.
Considering the specific nature of the Stołężyn hoard (the history of its discovery, scientific potential as well as the character of its deposit zone) field work was undertaken in autumn 2017, in order to show its location. It was assumed that the most effective method would be forest penetration (with a group of archeology students) in search of any larger stone clusters (eg. fig. 9-10) along with verification of these places by means of a metal detector (eg. fig. 11-13), hoping to indicate minor bronze objects which were omitted by stray finders at the beginning of 20th century. From the very beginning it was assumed that these sorts of „field survey” would be associated with a number of difficulties such as navigating in forest and documenting the studied areas; vegetation state and attempts to set the most proper period to conduct these research; accessibility of some forest areas e.g. coppices, forestal community with rich undergrowth.
What have we found and what has it learned us?
Navigating in a forest was our major problem. Students who were at the end of a line were carring a GPS navigation device, so that we could identify a research area (fig. 8 - yellow marked). It is so clear only after research. The research focused on finding single spot, so they should include all area. We have located several stone clusters, the most of them on field and forest balks and a few very modern rubbish (eg. soda or beer cans). In one place we have found early modern period artifacts (iron part of wheel hub – fig. 11; iron hoof pad – fig. 12 and copper alloy ring – fig. 13). Survey covered only a part of The Stołężyński Forest. All in all we have not found Bronze Age hoard deposition place, and we learned that field (forest rather) walking is not so easy. Although having this experience in mind I can surelly say that it was worth of the effort and I am going to continue the search of a deposit place of the Stołężyn Hoard.
Hoards make one of the most mysterious categories of archaeological finds known from the Bronze A... more Hoards make one of the most mysterious categories of archaeological finds known from the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. Doubts concerning their function should encourage researchers to use as wide information range as possible for understanding this phenomenon. However, there are still few scientific works considering their relationships with the settlement network or the cultural landscape. The presented text focuses on grasping regularities in location of spots of collecting articles made of bronze and iron, based on the results of studies over metal deposits from the Late (Urnfield culture) Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age from the South Baltic Coastland and Lake Districts.
KU CZCI BOGÓW i LUDZI Skarby z okolic Sanoka. Studium interdyscyplinarne, 2022
Present-day archaeology focuses on the context of finds, on detailed analyses of minor variables ... more Present-day archaeology focuses on the context of finds, on detailed analyses of minor variables and, to a greater and greater degree, makes use of methods offered by pure and natural sciences and interdisciplinary subdisciplines. Hypotheses and interpretations that are based on such sources make researchers verify many statements that can be found in literature. Within this context, “incidental” discoveries of hoards of metal artefacts often remain outside this narrative. There is no question that such discoveries are spectacular and attract media coverage, and they also have exhibition values. However, do we fully make use of their research potential? In this volume we intended to make use of the research potential offered by five hoards of metal artefacts (Falejówka – Hoard II, Zarszyn – Hoard II, Wola Sękowa, Sanok (Biała Góra), Międzybrodzie). We subjected these hoards to such a series of analyses that would yield a possibly highest amount of research information. This was possible thanks to the effort of 14 authors representing different specialisations, to their knowledge and skills and to analytical instruments they employed. Some differences in conclusions may result from this, but it is a value of this volume rather than its weakness. What was also indispensable in this process was financial support from the Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport, as well as effective organisation during the completion of the project which was provided by the Historical Museum in Sanok. We do not claim that we acquired all possible information. We obtained what we were able to gather in 2022, due to our knowledge, imagination, availability of methods and funds. In this volume we gathered: ‒ information on circumstances and places of discovery of the deposits ‒ the results of typological, stylistic and chronological analyses of the artefacts from all the discussed deposits, and results of C dating for the 14 samples from the assemblages discovered in Wola Sękowa and Sanok (Biała Góra), ‒ the results of macro- and microscopic analyses of traces of use for selected (50 samples) bronze artefacts, ‒ the archaeometallurgical study including analyses of the chemical composition of alloys, microscopic observations and X-ray images of selected artefacts (80 samples), ‒ the results of palaeobotanic analyses of plant remains from the hoards of bronze artefacts in Sanok (Biała Góra) and Wola Sękowa, ‒ the results of the morphological analysis of leather samples taken from inside the bronze fittings which were part of the hoard from Sanok (Biała Góra), ‒ the attempt at identifying the function of the ceramic vessel from Zarszyn on the basis of chromatographic examinations ‒ the results of magnetic examinations in the area of Site 11 in Zarszyn (place of discovery of the hoard) ‒ the study on the location of the places of discovery of the hoards in the vicinity of Sanok against the background of the settlement and cultural situation in the territory of the eastern part of the Polish Carpathians. The results of all these analyses allow for demonstrating both similarities and differences between the studied assemblages. We are not able to unequivocally state in what circumstances the hoards that are discussed in this volume were deposited and who did it. It should be assumed that reasons for these actions may have varied. The fact that after 3,000 years archaeologists use the same term (that is, hoards) for all such finds does not mean that it was so in the Late Bronze Age and in the Early Iron Age. For instance, three finds – Zarszyn (Hoard II), Wola Sękowa, and Sanok (Biała Góra) – can be more or less probably synchronised with the so-called Cimmerian Period or times immediately after it. This is a period of certain unrest in the Carpathian Basin – there were notable cultural changes related to the appearance of groups of lethally effective horse warriors in this territory. Are these three hoards a result of these events? And, more importantly, if they are – in what circumstances and for what reasons were they deposited? Did more metal appear in this zone and was it necessary to withdraw part of this social status medium from cultural circulation in order to preserve hitherto social structure? Or did this metal perhaps arrive with the human communities from the south? Was it intended to conceal valuable artefacts in the face of danger, or were supernatural forces asked for benevolence? On the other hand, the hoard of bronze cups from Zarszyn can be related to another aspect of phenomena which took place in the end of the Bronze Age and in the beginning of the Iron Age, that is, to a growing importance of libations in societies of that period. This can also be to some degree connected with the spread of “Cimmerian” more elitist cultural patterns. The hoard from Międzybrodzie was supposedly translocated from areas situated about 400 km to the south. Was it deposited by a wanderer or wanderers from the Carpathian Basin, or perhaps did these artefacts arrive in the River San region in result of exchange which had more or less utilitarian significance (acquisition of useful artefacts)? Or was it a diplomatic gift? These questions are difficult to answer, too. All the hoards that are discussed in this volume (perhaps save the assemblage from Wola Sękowa) were deposited in areas inhabited by local societies. They occupied similar places in the cultural landscape and these localities probably fulfilled special functions (Wroczeń Mountain in particular) for a very long time, perhaps even for different communities. Many opinions have been expressed in literature concerning peculiarities of deposition of metal artefacts, and many ideas will no doubt be expressed in future. Such opinions were supported with various more or less convincing source evidence. We hope that this book which is offered to readers with its analytical results and with the attempt at their contextualisation will allow for a better understanding of the phenomenon of deposition of metal artefacts, for asking new questions and for suggesting new answers, the latter being perhaps more daring than ours. This volume will also enable readers to better learn about the nature of the Polish part of the Western Carpathians in the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. This territory is so peculiar that it requires more and more research and studies.
Publikacja popularnonaukowa przygotowana w związku z projektem pt. Czernikowice, stan. 2 oraz 4. ... more Publikacja popularnonaukowa przygotowana w związku z projektem pt. Czernikowice, stan. 2 oraz 4. Opracowanie i publikacja materiałów z cmentarzysk z epoki brązu i wczesnej epoki żelaza (zadanie nr 3686/2019), realizowanym ze środków Ministerstwa Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego.
Czernikowice. Cemeteries from the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, 2020
The book Czernikowice. Cemeteries from the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age is a publication of arch... more The book Czernikowice. Cemeteries from the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age is a publication of archaeological findings from two sites in Lower Silesia called Czernikowice 2 and Czernikowice 4 developed and publlished in 2019-2020 thanks to the project from the Ministry of the Culture and National Haritage.
Phenomenon of repetition. Deposits from Karmin, 2019
The volume presents results of two-year project : multi-aspect analysis of four late Bronze Age d... more The volume presents results of two-year project : multi-aspect analysis of four late Bronze Age deposits placed in ceramic vessels and containing metal tools, weapons and ornaments. The linear arrangement of the hoards is extraordinary and the landscape studies in the deposit area indicate that they were related to the place of forcing the wide Barycz Valley, marked and narrative route towards its narrowing. All are of similar chronology, that is HaB2-3 – Montelius V – 950-800/750 BC.
The book takes up the question of the relationship between hoards of metal goods (deposits, colle... more The book takes up the question of the relationship between hoards of metal goods (deposits, collective finds) and a settlement network. Applying a novel research approach, the study covers cultural phenomena along the south Baltic coast and lakelands (Pomerania and north part of Greater Poland). This area was selected because of the state of research, cultural situation and special landscape characteristics. The phenomena are associated with the communities that shared similar economic and social systems and represented the Lusatian and Pomeranian Cultures (Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age).
This monograph is made up of an introduction, three chapters and conclusion. The catalogues and illustrations (maps used for research of settlements and figures presenting bronze and iron artefacts) that constitute an integral part of this work can be found in other files.
The first discusses theoretical questions that underpin further interpretations. The second analyzes the relationships between the composition of metal goods deposits and the topography of deposit sites, as well as the special nature of their relationships to the settlement network. The analyses make use of settlement geography methods and statistical tools. The third presents a model explaining the functions of collective finds, reasons for their deposition and the principles of selecting deposition sites. It shows that they were intentionally located along the borders of the known (settled) area and emphasizes their significance for the cultural landscape. The relationship between the symbolism of metal and a border is stressed.
ZAPROSZENIE
Wśród zachowań praktykowanych przez społeczności pradziejowe i wczesnohistoryczne, k... more ZAPROSZENIE
Wśród zachowań praktykowanych przez społeczności pradziejowe i wczesnohistoryczne, które poznajemy dzięki źródłom archeologicznym, masowe deponowanie dóbr jest jednym z najbardziej enigmatycznych. Spektakularne skarby przedmiotów metalowych są najłatwiejszą do zidentyfikowania, a w związku z tym najczęściej opisywaną i analizowaną emanacją tego zjawiska. Współcześnie w archeologii europejskiej możemy zaobserwować szereg interesujących propozycji badań różnych aspektów tego typu praktyk. Opierają się one zarówno na nowych propozycjach teoretycznych, jak również na coraz szerszym zakresie danych, tak opisujących kontekst aktu depozycji, jak również pojedyncze zabytki, często obserwowane nawet na poziomie pojedynczych atomów. Równocześnie jesteśmy świadomi znaczącego wzrostu liczby nowoodkrywanych przedmiotów metalowych, w tym również ich zwartych zespołów. Tak więc jest to wyjątkowy moment w historii badań nad skarbami. Znaczący wzrost liczby odkrywanych współcześnie zabytków metalowych jest nierozerwalnie związany z amatorskimi poszukiwaniami z użyciem detektorów metali. Zagadnienie to dyskutowane jest w polskiej archeologii od co najmniej dwóch dekad. Nie chcemy animować tej debaty, choć zdajemy sobie sprawę z jej znaczenia. Nasza propozycja ma być raczej odpowiedzią na pytanie „Co po odkryciu?”. Celem, który sobie stawiamy, jest stworzenie platformy umożliwiającej spotykanie się i dyskusję między przedstawicielami różnych części środowiska związanego z archeologią: z jednej strony muzealnikami i służbami konserwatorskimi, które zazwyczaj decydują o zakresie badań prowadzonych w przypadku nowoodkrywanych skarbów, z drugiej współpracującymi z archeologami przedstawicielami nauk ścisłych, wreszcie akademikami koncentrującymi się w swojej pracy na epoce brązu i wczesnej epoce żelaza, okresie z którego pochodzi najwięcej ze skarbów, jak również zajmującymi się samym zjawiskiem masowego składania dóbr. Chcielibyśmy, aby wynikiem tych spotkań była dyskusja, która będzie podstawą do maksymalnego wykorzystania potencjału naukowego, który mają różnego typu depozyty dóbr. Umożliwić miałby to cykliczne spotkania organizowane w różnych częściach kraju, które składałyby się z części teoretycznej mającej formę wykładu oraz części warsztatowej, poświęconej konkretnym znaleziskom. Chcielibyśmy zaprosić Państwa na pierwsze spotkanie naukowe ZESPOŁU BADAŃ NAD ZJAWISKIEM MASOWEGO DEPONOWANIA DÓBR.
Project objectives
The objective is a multifaceted analysis and publication an unique collection... more Project objectives
The objective is a multifaceted analysis and publication an unique collection of four hoards from Karmin in SW Poland. Three of them were discovered and partly published in 19th and early 20th century while the last one was found last summer. Apart from interesting objects (including famous metal cheek-pieces), the precise locations of all four deposits are known. They are regularly spaced and follow the line SW-NE ca. 850 m long.
We plan to do stylistic analysis of all objects (283 in total), their chemical composition (mostly focusing of comparison local and non-local forms), observations of traces of manufacturing and use (both in macro and microscale). As all metal objects were deposited in ceramic vessels we want to check if they had been of domestic use before thus the GCMS analysis will be done as well. Owing to known locations of the deposits, he settlement and landscape analysis will be important part of the study.
The publication, both in Polish and English, will be first of this kind in Polish archaeology.
Of all historical periods of Europe, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age were the time during which t... more Of all historical periods of Europe, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age were the time during which thousands of hoards were found, and the most complex depositional phenomena can be observed in the archaeological record. It is no wonder that the research of these two eras produced fundamental works on the topic of hoards from the point of theory, practice and methodology. The several new results from the past decades indicates to us that we have come to a new turning point in respect to the means of investigating and interpreting this very phenomenon. They are based both on new theoretical proposals, as well as on an increasingly broad range of data, describing the context of the deposition act. Other approaches focus on the elements of hoards, i.e. selected artefacts, which are being studied in some cases literally at ‘microscopic’ levels. Particularly important are the new methods used in hoards research, which include such diverse procedures as: research on their specificity in the landscape, network analysis of hoarding patterns, metallurgical studies, microscopic analysis of use-wear traces and destruction of metal objects, archaeometric analyses of arti- and ecofact accompanying metals and many others. Their use allows us to broaden the discussions that have been going on for over a hundred years about the reasons for depositing valuables, their importance in prehistoric cultures, and through better understanding of prehistoric communities though Europe. Both the development of archaeology and the significant growth of the number of newly discovered metal artefacts leads one to considerations over the appropriate means for conducting research on these enigmatic finds. If your research interests are: • hoards from the Bronze and Iron Ages; • additionally, by analyzing them, you use a multidisciplinary approach; • especially if you propose the use of methods that were previously not used in research of hoard finds; • and/or would like to propose a new theoretical approach to interpretation phenomenon of mass deposition of valuables. We would like to invite you to participate in our session and we hope that it will be very scientifically inspiring.
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Papers by Marcin Maciejewski
The interpretation of hoards of iron tools remains the subject of polemics.
Already in the 1930s, routes were marked by connecting dozens of dots (which symbolised hoards of metal objects) on maps covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, this approach was practiced for the next decades.
Looking at the hoards of metal objects from a different perspective – by focusing on individual finds, in the context of the natural landscape and other archaeological finds, give us the possibillity to understand how the deposition sites of metal artifacts shaped the Bronze Age landscape.
Finds from Rosko and Karmin, which were deposited in a way indicating that the deposition site was not accidental, could be as good an example. What is more, they were deposited in charachteristc places – near the Ice-marginal valleys (broad glacial valleys), which separate historical regions (Pomerania, Wielkopolska and Silesia). Thanks to this, it will be possible to present the meaning of hoards in the landscape, as well as the way of understanding how the routes functioned in the Bronze Age. Their connection with clearly indicated physical boundaries, especially with places of thier crosssing, highlights the meaning of routes on mapa moundi of the Bronze Age.
Abstract
The phenomenon of depositing various types of goods was practiced in Europe across the annals of all time. Known from the Bronze Age and in some regions of the continent, also from the Early Iron Age, metal object hoards are one of the most spectacular and easiest for identification as well as the most often recorded and analyzed illustration of this phenomenon. In being a specific category of archaeological finds in many respects – as far as the meaning of these practices in the culture of prehistoric communities, as well as the circumstances of their discovery – they were for many decades investigated in a particular way. In this context, unusually high emphasis was placed on typological analysis and the dominant forms of research were regional monographs.
The resulting impasse of using limited data for the purposes of argumentation in favour of one of the hypotheses (sacral or profane) was underscored in the literature many a time. Both the development of archaeology and the significant growth of the number of newly discovered metal artefact assemblages, leads one to considerations over the appropriate means for conducting research on these enigmatic finds. The past few years have brought a series of new research propositions in respect to the means of investigating and interpreting this very phenomenon. The hoard from Rosko one could argue is not only worth exemplification on account of the significant research information it brings, but also as a means of indicating how research on hoards may be conducted.
Résumé
Le phénomène du dépôt de différents types d’objets fut pratiqué en Europe depuis la nuit des temps. Sa manifestation la plus spectaculaire et la mieux identifiable, qui fait l’objet de la plupart des observations et analyses, se traduit sous la forme de dépôts d’objets en métal connus de l’âge du Bronze et, dans certaines régions, du début de l’âge du Fer. Considérés à plusieurs égards comme une catégorie spécifique de trouvailles archéologiques – quant à la signification de ces pratiques dans la culture des communautés préhistoriques et les circonstances de leur découverte –, ils furent examinés d’une manière particulière. On y mettait particulièrement l’accent sur l’analyse typologique et la recherche publiait ses résultats généralement sous forme de monographies régionales.
L’impasse résultant de l’usage de données limitées dans le but d’argumenter en faveur d’une des hypothèses (sacré ou profane) a été soulignée plusieurs fois dans la littérature. Tant le développement de l’archéologie que l’augmentation significative du nombre de nouveaux ensembles d’artefacts en métal découverts récemment nous poussent à réfléchir aux moyens appropriés de poursuivre les recherches sur ces terrains énigmatiques. Ces dernières années ont amené une série de propositions concernant les modes de fouille et d’interprétation de ce phénomène. On pourrait affirmer que le dépôt de Rosko n’est pas seulement exemplaire par les informations scientifiques significatives qu’il livre, mais aussi du fait qu’il indique comment on pourrait poursuivre la recherche sur les dépôts.
Zusammenfassung
Deponierungen von Objekten lassen sich für zahlreiche Perioden Europas nachweisen. Die Identifizierung der oft spektakulären Metallobjekte, wie sie aus der Bronze- und Eisenzeit bekannt sind, fällt in aller Regel leicht. Als spezifische Kategorie archäologischer Funde wurde diese Fundgattung über Jahrzehnte hinweg in vielerlei Hinsicht erforscht, insbesondere was die Umstände ihrer Entdeckung betrifft als auch hinsichtlich der Deutung solcher Praktiken für die prähistorischen Gemeinschaften. Der typologischen Analyse wurde dabei regelhaft ein ungewöhnlich hoher Stellenwert eingeräumt, und die Mehrzahl aller Untersuchungen liegt in monografischer Form vor. Die an die Befundgattung herangetragenen Fragestellungen und die letztendliche Auswertungsform angesichts einer begrenzten Datenbasis führten die Forschung jedoch in eine Sackgasse, standen doch vielfach nur die Hypothesen einer sakralen oder profanen Niederlegung im Mittelpunkt der Betrachtungen. Diese Problematik wurde erkannt und in der Literatur als Problemfeld mehrfach herausgestellt. Sowohl die Entwicklung der Archäologie als auch die signifikante Zunahme neu entdeckter Metallartefakte führten inzwischen zu Überlegungen über geeignete Mittel zur Erforschung dieser rätselhaften Funde. In den letzten Jahren versuchte man schließlich, sich dem Phänomen auf Basis neuer Methoden und aus einer anderen Perspektive zu nähern. Beispielhaft für diese Entwicklung wird im Folgenden der Hort von Rosko vorgestellt, der sowohl neue Informationen vermittelte als auch weitere Möglichkeiten zur Forschung an Horten eröffnete.
Abstrakt
Fenomen deponowania różnego rodzaju dóbr praktykowany był w Europie na przestrzeni całych pradziejów. Znane z epoki brązu, a w niektórych regionach kontynentu również ze wczesnej epoki żelaza, skarby przedmiotów metalowych są jedną z najbardziej spektakularnych i łatwych do zidentyfikowania, a przy tym także najczęściej opisywaną i analizowaną emanacją tego zjawiska. Będące specyficzną pod wieloma względami kategorią znalezisk archeologicznych – tak jeśli chodzi o znaczenie tych aktów w praktyce kulturowej dawnych społeczności, jak również okoliczności ich odkrywania – przez dekady były badane w specyficzny sposób. Wyjątkowy nacisk kładziony był na analizy typologiczne, a dominującą formą opracowań były monografie regionalne. Impas wynikający z wykorzystywania ograniczonej liczby przesłanek do argumentacji na rzecz jednego z podejść (sakralne/profaniczne) podkreślany był w literaturze niejednokrotnie. Zarówno rozwój archeologii, jak i znaczny wzrost liczby nowoodkrywanych zespołów artefaktów metalowych, skłania do rozważań nad sposobem, który byłby właściwy dla prowadzenia badań nad tymi enigmatycznymi znaleziskami. Ostatnie lata przyniosły szereg nowych propozycji dotyczących sposobu badania i interpretowania tego fenomenu. Skarb z Roska nie tylko wart jest zaprezentowania z racji wielu wartościowych naukowo informacji, które przynosi, ale także w celu wskazania jak badania nad skarbami mogą być prowadzone.
15,000 portable sources. They describe a 10,000 year history of settlement of a sand elevation located in the Noteć valley. Both in
this location and in this part of the Noteć basin, the most intense settlement took place in the period of functioning of the Lusatian
Urnfield culture. Sources associated with earliest phases of the Bronze Age are also very important. In terms of quantity, this assemblage
is not impressive, but due to the limited knowledge about the early stages of the Bronze Age in this part of northern Greater
Poland, it is of great research value. Equally interesting is the location of this elevation, suggesting its significance in contacts both
along the Noteć and between Greater Poland and Pomerania. The typological analysis of the assemblage in question is an introduction
to short considerations on the continuity and repeatability of settlement of the studied sand elevation, and the reflection on the
perception of the place and the role of memory in traditional societies.
Badania wykopaliskowe na stanowisku Rosko 4 ujawniły szereg znalezisk: 246 obiektów archeologicznych i około 15 000 źródeł ruchomych.
Opisują one 10 000-letnią historię zasiedlania piaskowego wyniesienia zlokalizowanego w dolinie Noteci. Zarówno w tym
miejscu, jak i w tej części dorzecza Noteci, najbardziej intensywne osadnictwo przypada na okres funkcjonowania łużyckich pól
popielnicowych. Źródła wiązane z wcześniejszymi fazami epoki brązu również są bardzo istotne. Ilościowo zbiór ten nie jest okazały,
ale z racji ograniczonej wiedzy na temat wczesnych stadiów epoki brązu w tej części północnej Wielkopolski, ma on dużą wartość
naukową. Równie interesujące jest położenie tego wyniesienia sugerujące jego znaczenie w kontaktach zarówno wzdłuż Noteci,
jak i między Wielkopolską a Pomorzem. Analiza typologiczna opisywanego zbioru jest wstępem do krótkich rozważań nad ciągłością
i powtarzalnością zasiedlenia badanego piaskowego wyniesienia oraz refleksji nad postrzeganiem miejsca i rolą pamięci w
społecznościach tradycyjnych.
that have been extracted from the complex world of
meanings and relationships, tries to understand the entire
mental reality. Frequently, all he/she can do is to trace even
the most minute differences and similarities between finds
from distant places. This is particularly true when his/her
aim is to understand dynamic processes characteristic of the
Early Iron Age and especially its younger stage (HaD) when
the stable cultural model, known as Lusatian Urnfields, disintegrated.
Phenomena from that time reflected in archaeological
sources are variously interpreted: we are witnessing
the emergence of a new perspective on many aspects of the
historical processes that were going on at that time. They
include advancing challenges to the homogeneity of the 'Lusation
culture’, expansion of the source base as a result of
investigations preceding motorway constructions and corrections
to classic chronologies. Today, we are aware that it
is not possible to describe — relying on a single model —
the special nature of relations between the communities of
Lusatian Urnfields, representing a type of culture embedded
in the Late Bronze tradition, and Early Iron Age groups from
North Pontic areas. Their improved description and understanding
is no doubt part of the new view on the cultural
processes taking place in the Early Iron Age. The article is
only a minor contribution — that from the perspective of
a single location and few rather unspectacular sources — attempts
to form part of this narrative.
The interpretation of hoards of iron tools remains the subject of polemics.
Already in the 1930s, routes were marked by connecting dozens of dots (which symbolised hoards of metal objects) on maps covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, this approach was practiced for the next decades.
Looking at the hoards of metal objects from a different perspective – by focusing on individual finds, in the context of the natural landscape and other archaeological finds, give us the possibillity to understand how the deposition sites of metal artifacts shaped the Bronze Age landscape.
Finds from Rosko and Karmin, which were deposited in a way indicating that the deposition site was not accidental, could be as good an example. What is more, they were deposited in charachteristc places – near the Ice-marginal valleys (broad glacial valleys), which separate historical regions (Pomerania, Wielkopolska and Silesia). Thanks to this, it will be possible to present the meaning of hoards in the landscape, as well as the way of understanding how the routes functioned in the Bronze Age. Their connection with clearly indicated physical boundaries, especially with places of thier crosssing, highlights the meaning of routes on mapa moundi of the Bronze Age.
Abstract
The phenomenon of depositing various types of goods was practiced in Europe across the annals of all time. Known from the Bronze Age and in some regions of the continent, also from the Early Iron Age, metal object hoards are one of the most spectacular and easiest for identification as well as the most often recorded and analyzed illustration of this phenomenon. In being a specific category of archaeological finds in many respects – as far as the meaning of these practices in the culture of prehistoric communities, as well as the circumstances of their discovery – they were for many decades investigated in a particular way. In this context, unusually high emphasis was placed on typological analysis and the dominant forms of research were regional monographs.
The resulting impasse of using limited data for the purposes of argumentation in favour of one of the hypotheses (sacral or profane) was underscored in the literature many a time. Both the development of archaeology and the significant growth of the number of newly discovered metal artefact assemblages, leads one to considerations over the appropriate means for conducting research on these enigmatic finds. The past few years have brought a series of new research propositions in respect to the means of investigating and interpreting this very phenomenon. The hoard from Rosko one could argue is not only worth exemplification on account of the significant research information it brings, but also as a means of indicating how research on hoards may be conducted.
Résumé
Le phénomène du dépôt de différents types d’objets fut pratiqué en Europe depuis la nuit des temps. Sa manifestation la plus spectaculaire et la mieux identifiable, qui fait l’objet de la plupart des observations et analyses, se traduit sous la forme de dépôts d’objets en métal connus de l’âge du Bronze et, dans certaines régions, du début de l’âge du Fer. Considérés à plusieurs égards comme une catégorie spécifique de trouvailles archéologiques – quant à la signification de ces pratiques dans la culture des communautés préhistoriques et les circonstances de leur découverte –, ils furent examinés d’une manière particulière. On y mettait particulièrement l’accent sur l’analyse typologique et la recherche publiait ses résultats généralement sous forme de monographies régionales.
L’impasse résultant de l’usage de données limitées dans le but d’argumenter en faveur d’une des hypothèses (sacré ou profane) a été soulignée plusieurs fois dans la littérature. Tant le développement de l’archéologie que l’augmentation significative du nombre de nouveaux ensembles d’artefacts en métal découverts récemment nous poussent à réfléchir aux moyens appropriés de poursuivre les recherches sur ces terrains énigmatiques. Ces dernières années ont amené une série de propositions concernant les modes de fouille et d’interprétation de ce phénomène. On pourrait affirmer que le dépôt de Rosko n’est pas seulement exemplaire par les informations scientifiques significatives qu’il livre, mais aussi du fait qu’il indique comment on pourrait poursuivre la recherche sur les dépôts.
Zusammenfassung
Deponierungen von Objekten lassen sich für zahlreiche Perioden Europas nachweisen. Die Identifizierung der oft spektakulären Metallobjekte, wie sie aus der Bronze- und Eisenzeit bekannt sind, fällt in aller Regel leicht. Als spezifische Kategorie archäologischer Funde wurde diese Fundgattung über Jahrzehnte hinweg in vielerlei Hinsicht erforscht, insbesondere was die Umstände ihrer Entdeckung betrifft als auch hinsichtlich der Deutung solcher Praktiken für die prähistorischen Gemeinschaften. Der typologischen Analyse wurde dabei regelhaft ein ungewöhnlich hoher Stellenwert eingeräumt, und die Mehrzahl aller Untersuchungen liegt in monografischer Form vor. Die an die Befundgattung herangetragenen Fragestellungen und die letztendliche Auswertungsform angesichts einer begrenzten Datenbasis führten die Forschung jedoch in eine Sackgasse, standen doch vielfach nur die Hypothesen einer sakralen oder profanen Niederlegung im Mittelpunkt der Betrachtungen. Diese Problematik wurde erkannt und in der Literatur als Problemfeld mehrfach herausgestellt. Sowohl die Entwicklung der Archäologie als auch die signifikante Zunahme neu entdeckter Metallartefakte führten inzwischen zu Überlegungen über geeignete Mittel zur Erforschung dieser rätselhaften Funde. In den letzten Jahren versuchte man schließlich, sich dem Phänomen auf Basis neuer Methoden und aus einer anderen Perspektive zu nähern. Beispielhaft für diese Entwicklung wird im Folgenden der Hort von Rosko vorgestellt, der sowohl neue Informationen vermittelte als auch weitere Möglichkeiten zur Forschung an Horten eröffnete.
Abstrakt
Fenomen deponowania różnego rodzaju dóbr praktykowany był w Europie na przestrzeni całych pradziejów. Znane z epoki brązu, a w niektórych regionach kontynentu również ze wczesnej epoki żelaza, skarby przedmiotów metalowych są jedną z najbardziej spektakularnych i łatwych do zidentyfikowania, a przy tym także najczęściej opisywaną i analizowaną emanacją tego zjawiska. Będące specyficzną pod wieloma względami kategorią znalezisk archeologicznych – tak jeśli chodzi o znaczenie tych aktów w praktyce kulturowej dawnych społeczności, jak również okoliczności ich odkrywania – przez dekady były badane w specyficzny sposób. Wyjątkowy nacisk kładziony był na analizy typologiczne, a dominującą formą opracowań były monografie regionalne. Impas wynikający z wykorzystywania ograniczonej liczby przesłanek do argumentacji na rzecz jednego z podejść (sakralne/profaniczne) podkreślany był w literaturze niejednokrotnie. Zarówno rozwój archeologii, jak i znaczny wzrost liczby nowoodkrywanych zespołów artefaktów metalowych, skłania do rozważań nad sposobem, który byłby właściwy dla prowadzenia badań nad tymi enigmatycznymi znaleziskami. Ostatnie lata przyniosły szereg nowych propozycji dotyczących sposobu badania i interpretowania tego fenomenu. Skarb z Roska nie tylko wart jest zaprezentowania z racji wielu wartościowych naukowo informacji, które przynosi, ale także w celu wskazania jak badania nad skarbami mogą być prowadzone.
15,000 portable sources. They describe a 10,000 year history of settlement of a sand elevation located in the Noteć valley. Both in
this location and in this part of the Noteć basin, the most intense settlement took place in the period of functioning of the Lusatian
Urnfield culture. Sources associated with earliest phases of the Bronze Age are also very important. In terms of quantity, this assemblage
is not impressive, but due to the limited knowledge about the early stages of the Bronze Age in this part of northern Greater
Poland, it is of great research value. Equally interesting is the location of this elevation, suggesting its significance in contacts both
along the Noteć and between Greater Poland and Pomerania. The typological analysis of the assemblage in question is an introduction
to short considerations on the continuity and repeatability of settlement of the studied sand elevation, and the reflection on the
perception of the place and the role of memory in traditional societies.
Badania wykopaliskowe na stanowisku Rosko 4 ujawniły szereg znalezisk: 246 obiektów archeologicznych i około 15 000 źródeł ruchomych.
Opisują one 10 000-letnią historię zasiedlania piaskowego wyniesienia zlokalizowanego w dolinie Noteci. Zarówno w tym
miejscu, jak i w tej części dorzecza Noteci, najbardziej intensywne osadnictwo przypada na okres funkcjonowania łużyckich pól
popielnicowych. Źródła wiązane z wcześniejszymi fazami epoki brązu również są bardzo istotne. Ilościowo zbiór ten nie jest okazały,
ale z racji ograniczonej wiedzy na temat wczesnych stadiów epoki brązu w tej części północnej Wielkopolski, ma on dużą wartość
naukową. Równie interesujące jest położenie tego wyniesienia sugerujące jego znaczenie w kontaktach zarówno wzdłuż Noteci,
jak i między Wielkopolską a Pomorzem. Analiza typologiczna opisywanego zbioru jest wstępem do krótkich rozważań nad ciągłością
i powtarzalnością zasiedlenia badanego piaskowego wyniesienia oraz refleksji nad postrzeganiem miejsca i rolą pamięci w
społecznościach tradycyjnych.
that have been extracted from the complex world of
meanings and relationships, tries to understand the entire
mental reality. Frequently, all he/she can do is to trace even
the most minute differences and similarities between finds
from distant places. This is particularly true when his/her
aim is to understand dynamic processes characteristic of the
Early Iron Age and especially its younger stage (HaD) when
the stable cultural model, known as Lusatian Urnfields, disintegrated.
Phenomena from that time reflected in archaeological
sources are variously interpreted: we are witnessing
the emergence of a new perspective on many aspects of the
historical processes that were going on at that time. They
include advancing challenges to the homogeneity of the 'Lusation
culture’, expansion of the source base as a result of
investigations preceding motorway constructions and corrections
to classic chronologies. Today, we are aware that it
is not possible to describe — relying on a single model —
the special nature of relations between the communities of
Lusatian Urnfields, representing a type of culture embedded
in the Late Bronze tradition, and Early Iron Age groups from
North Pontic areas. Their improved description and understanding
is no doubt part of the new view on the cultural
processes taking place in the Early Iron Age. The article is
only a minor contribution — that from the perspective of
a single location and few rather unspectacular sources — attempts
to form part of this narrative.
A hoard from Sanok (Biała Góra) is an example of such a deposit. Not only was it excavated following the principles of archaeological methodology, but also using extraordinary methods. The extracted block of soil containing the hoard was later handled in controlled laboratory conditions. The exploration method made it possible to acquire information on the arrangement of even very fine metal artefacts and to take various samples of organic substances.
The hoard from Sanok (Biała Góra) and four other hoards recently discovered in the Carpathian Foothills near Sanok went through multi-faceted studies. The poster will present the find circumstances of the Sanok (Biała Góra) hoard, methods of its examination and study results, as well as refer to other deposits, especially in terms of the lost scientific information.
The construction connected with the hoard from Rosko, Wieleń commune remained unimpaired until the 1930s, mainly due to the fact that just then the forest growing on this area was cleared. It was excavated at the beginning of the 21st century (fig. 2). The construction related to the Kaliszanki hoard, Wągrowiec commune is still an integral component of the landscape, whose character (Rosko type or mound type construction) still needs verification (fig. 3). This situation is similar to a deposit place of Stołężyn hoard, therefore the determining of its location is of great significance.
The location of the relicts of the mentioned construction seems to be more complex. In this case, the very record, that it was located in a forest, together with all available cartographical sources allow to determine a probable area of the hoard deposit. At the beginning of the 20th century there is only one forestal complex in the proximity of Stołężyn village (fig. 6). Bearing in mind that location is known only in cases of about 20 % of deposits of metal objects, such general information is already of scientific value. Nevertheless, in order to determine character of the described construction, it is necessary to show its exact location. The abovementioned information about levelling the stone construction may imply that it might be impossible to determine that place. On the other hand, the awareness of the diverse character of forest management in relation to agricultural one allows to hope that certain remains of the stone construction will still be possible to find. Taking it into consideration, the numeric terrain models basic analysis created on the basis of laser scanning does not seem to be the right method to provide unambiguous indications.
Considering the specific nature of the Stołężyn hoard (the history of its discovery, scientific potential as well as the character of its deposit zone) field work was undertaken in autumn 2017, in order to show its location. It was assumed that the most effective method would be forest penetration (with a group of archeology students) in search of any larger stone clusters (eg. fig. 9-10) along with verification of these places by means of a metal detector (eg. fig. 11-13), hoping to indicate minor bronze objects which were omitted by stray finders at the beginning of 20th century. From the very beginning it was assumed that these sorts of „field survey” would be associated with a number of difficulties such as navigating in forest and documenting the studied areas; vegetation state and attempts to set the most proper period to conduct these research; accessibility of some forest areas e.g. coppices, forestal community with rich undergrowth.
What have we found and what has it learned us?
Navigating in a forest was our major problem. Students who were at the end of a line were carring a GPS navigation device, so that we could identify a research area (fig. 8 - yellow marked). It is so clear only after research. The research focused on finding single spot, so they should include all area. We have located several stone clusters, the most of them on field and forest balks and a few very modern rubbish (eg. soda or beer cans). In one place we have found early modern period artifacts (iron part of wheel hub – fig. 11; iron hoof pad – fig. 12 and copper alloy ring – fig. 13). Survey covered only a part of The Stołężyński Forest. All in all we have not found Bronze Age hoard deposition place, and we learned that field (forest rather) walking is not so easy. Although having this experience in mind I can surelly say that it was worth of the effort and I am going to continue the search of a deposit place of the Stołężyn Hoard.
In this volume we intended to make use of the research potential offered by five hoards of metal artefacts (Falejówka – Hoard II, Zarszyn – Hoard II, Wola Sękowa, Sanok (Biała Góra), Międzybrodzie). We subjected these hoards to such a series of analyses that would yield a possibly highest amount of research information. This was possible thanks to the effort of 14 authors representing different specialisations, to their knowledge and skills and to analytical instruments they employed. Some differences in conclusions may result from this, but it is a value of this volume rather than its weakness. What was also indispensable in this process was financial support from the Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport, as well as effective organisation during the completion of the project which was provided by the Historical Museum in Sanok. We do not claim that we acquired all possible information. We obtained what we were able to gather in 2022, due to our knowledge, imagination, availability of methods and funds.
In this volume we gathered:
‒ information on circumstances and places of discovery of the deposits
‒ the results of typological, stylistic and chronological analyses of the artefacts from all the discussed deposits,
and results of C dating for the 14 samples from the assemblages discovered in Wola Sękowa and Sanok (Biała Góra),
‒ the results of macro- and microscopic analyses of traces of use for selected (50 samples) bronze artefacts,
‒ the archaeometallurgical study including analyses of the chemical composition of alloys, microscopic
observations and X-ray images of selected artefacts (80 samples),
‒ the results of palaeobotanic analyses of plant remains from the hoards of bronze artefacts in Sanok (Biała Góra) and Wola Sękowa,
‒ the results of the morphological analysis of leather samples taken from inside the bronze fittings which
were part of the hoard from Sanok (Biała Góra),
‒ the attempt at identifying the function of the ceramic vessel from Zarszyn on the basis of chromatographic examinations
‒ the results of magnetic examinations in the area of Site 11 in Zarszyn (place of discovery of the hoard)
‒ the study on the location of the places of discovery of the hoards in the vicinity of Sanok against the background of the settlement and cultural situation in the territory of the eastern part of the Polish Carpathians.
The results of all these analyses allow for demonstrating both similarities and differences between the studied assemblages. We are not able to unequivocally state in what circumstances the hoards that are discussed in this volume were deposited and who did it. It should be assumed that reasons for these actions may have varied. The fact that after 3,000 years archaeologists use the same term (that is, hoards) for all such finds does not mean that it was so in the Late Bronze Age and in the Early Iron Age.
For instance, three finds – Zarszyn (Hoard II), Wola Sękowa, and Sanok (Biała Góra) – can be more or less probably synchronised with the so-called Cimmerian Period or times immediately after it. This is a period of certain unrest in the Carpathian Basin – there were notable cultural changes related to the appearance of groups of lethally effective horse warriors in this territory. Are these three hoards a result of these events? And, more importantly, if they are – in what circumstances and for what reasons were they deposited? Did more metal appear in this zone and was it necessary to withdraw part of this social status medium from cultural circulation in order to preserve hitherto social structure? Or did this metal perhaps arrive with the human communities from the south? Was it intended to conceal valuable artefacts in the face of danger, or were supernatural forces asked for benevolence? On the other hand, the hoard of bronze cups from Zarszyn can be related to another aspect of phenomena which took place in the end of the Bronze Age and in the beginning of the Iron Age, that is, to a growing importance of libations in societies of that period. This can also be to some degree connected with the spread of “Cimmerian” more elitist cultural patterns.
The hoard from Międzybrodzie was supposedly translocated from areas situated about 400 km to the south. Was it deposited by a wanderer or wanderers from the Carpathian Basin, or perhaps did these artefacts arrive in the River San region in result of exchange which had more or less utilitarian significance (acquisition of useful artefacts)? Or was it a diplomatic gift? These questions are difficult to answer, too.
All the hoards that are discussed in this volume (perhaps save the assemblage from Wola Sękowa) were deposited in areas inhabited by local societies. They occupied similar places in the cultural landscape and these localities probably fulfilled special functions (Wroczeń Mountain in particular) for a very long time, perhaps even for different communities.
Many opinions have been expressed in literature concerning peculiarities of deposition of metal artefacts, and many ideas will no doubt be expressed in future. Such opinions were supported with various more or less convincing source evidence. We hope that this book which is offered to readers with its analytical results and with the attempt at their contextualisation will allow for a better understanding of the phenomenon of deposition of metal artefacts, for asking new questions and for suggesting new answers, the latter being perhaps more daring than ours. This volume will also enable readers to better learn about the nature of the Polish part of the Western Carpathians in the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. This territory is so peculiar that it requires more and more research and studies.
This monograph is made up of an introduction, three chapters and conclusion. The catalogues and illustrations (maps used for research of settlements and figures presenting bronze and iron artefacts) that constitute an integral part of this work can be found in other files.
The first discusses theoretical questions that underpin further interpretations. The second analyzes the relationships between the composition of metal goods deposits and the topography of deposit sites, as well as the special nature of their relationships to the settlement network. The analyses make use of settlement geography methods and statistical tools. The third presents a model explaining the functions of collective finds, reasons for their deposition and the principles of selecting deposition sites. It shows that they were intentionally located along the borders of the known (settled) area and emphasizes their significance for the cultural landscape. The relationship between the symbolism of metal and a border is stressed.
Wśród zachowań praktykowanych przez społeczności pradziejowe i wczesnohistoryczne, które poznajemy dzięki źródłom archeologicznym, masowe deponowanie dóbr jest jednym z najbardziej enigmatycznych. Spektakularne skarby przedmiotów metalowych są najłatwiejszą do zidentyfikowania, a w związku z tym najczęściej opisywaną i analizowaną emanacją tego zjawiska. Współcześnie w archeologii europejskiej możemy zaobserwować szereg interesujących propozycji badań różnych aspektów tego typu praktyk. Opierają się one zarówno na nowych propozycjach teoretycznych, jak również na coraz szerszym zakresie danych, tak opisujących kontekst aktu depozycji, jak również pojedyncze zabytki, często obserwowane nawet na poziomie pojedynczych atomów. Równocześnie jesteśmy świadomi znaczącego wzrostu liczby nowoodkrywanych przedmiotów metalowych, w tym również ich zwartych zespołów. Tak więc jest to wyjątkowy moment w historii badań nad skarbami.
Znaczący wzrost liczby odkrywanych współcześnie zabytków metalowych jest nierozerwalnie związany z amatorskimi poszukiwaniami z użyciem detektorów metali. Zagadnienie to dyskutowane jest w polskiej archeologii od co najmniej dwóch dekad. Nie chcemy animować tej debaty, choć zdajemy sobie sprawę z jej znaczenia. Nasza propozycja ma być raczej odpowiedzią na pytanie „Co po odkryciu?”. Celem, który sobie stawiamy, jest stworzenie platformy umożliwiającej spotykanie się i dyskusję między przedstawicielami różnych części środowiska związanego z archeologią: z jednej strony muzealnikami i służbami konserwatorskimi, które zazwyczaj decydują o zakresie badań prowadzonych w przypadku nowoodkrywanych skarbów, z drugiej współpracującymi z archeologami przedstawicielami nauk ścisłych, wreszcie akademikami koncentrującymi się w swojej pracy na epoce brązu i wczesnej epoce żelaza, okresie z którego pochodzi najwięcej ze skarbów, jak również zajmującymi się samym zjawiskiem masowego składania dóbr. Chcielibyśmy, aby wynikiem tych spotkań była dyskusja, która będzie podstawą do maksymalnego wykorzystania potencjału naukowego, który mają różnego typu depozyty dóbr. Umożliwić miałby to cykliczne spotkania organizowane w różnych częściach kraju, które składałyby się z części teoretycznej mającej formę wykładu oraz części warsztatowej, poświęconej konkretnym znaleziskom.
Chcielibyśmy zaprosić Państwa na pierwsze spotkanie naukowe ZESPOŁU BADAŃ NAD ZJAWISKIEM MASOWEGO DEPONOWANIA DÓBR.
The objective is a multifaceted analysis and publication an unique collection of four hoards from Karmin in SW Poland. Three of them were discovered and partly published in 19th and early 20th century while the last one was found last summer. Apart from interesting objects (including famous metal cheek-pieces), the precise locations of all four deposits are known. They are regularly spaced and follow the line SW-NE ca. 850 m long.
We plan to do stylistic analysis of all objects (283 in total), their chemical composition (mostly focusing of comparison local and non-local forms), observations of traces of manufacturing and use (both in macro and microscale). As all metal objects were deposited in ceramic vessels we want to check if they had been of domestic use before thus the GCMS analysis will be done as well. Owing to known locations of the deposits, he settlement and landscape analysis will be important part of the study.
The publication, both in Polish and English, will be first of this kind in Polish archaeology.
Particularly important are the new methods used in hoards research, which include such diverse procedures as: research on their specificity in the landscape, network analysis of hoarding patterns, metallurgical studies, microscopic analysis of use-wear traces and destruction of metal objects, archaeometric analyses of arti- and ecofact accompanying metals and many others. Their use allows us to broaden the discussions that have been going on for over a hundred years about the reasons for depositing valuables, their importance in prehistoric cultures, and through better understanding of prehistoric communities though Europe.
Both the development of archaeology and the significant growth of the number of newly discovered metal artefacts leads one to considerations over the appropriate means for conducting research on these enigmatic finds.
If your research interests are:
• hoards from the Bronze and Iron Ages;
• additionally, by analyzing them, you use a multidisciplinary approach;
• especially if you propose the use of methods that were previously not used in research of hoard finds;
• and/or would like to propose a new theoretical approach to interpretation phenomenon of mass deposition of valuables.
We would like to invite you to participate in our session and we hope that it will be very scientifically inspiring.