Wetland hoards, Bronze Age rituals

A metalwork hoard dated to the Wilburton phase of the later Bronze Age, found at Barway close to the Isle of Ely in the Cambridgeshire Fens, is reported. Consideration of the hoard, in the context of later prehistoric hoarding in the local landscape, reveals that particular sorts of artefacts were associated with particular places in the landscape. In particular a strong association between later Bronze Age hoards and causeways connecting the Isle of Ely to the outside world is identified, and an interpretation suggested. This study demonstrates the potential of a detailed contextual approach for providing a more nuanced understanding of later Bronze Age metalwork deposition that moves away from a simplistic wet-dry dichotomy.

Deposition of both objects and human bodies in wetland environments such as bogs and lakes, took place throughout large parts of prehistoric times. Among these finds are well-preserved finds such as the Tollund Man, the bronze lurs from Revheim and the carved wooden stool from Høstad near Trondheim. But how are these finds to be understood?

Today archaeologists prefer to see a great number of these deposits from both wet and dry contexts as offerings. This theory often provides the starting point for our analyses of these finds, but is rarely disputed. The theory also forms part of a framework for interpreting prehistoric depositions which has remained largely unaltered since the late 1800s. This thesis provides a critical examination of this framework, focusing on the following issue: How has the theory that regards these finds as offerings affected our view upon prehistoric deposition, and do we find the answers that we seek by applying these frames of reference in our analyses? The analysis is based on wetland deposits from Central Norway from the Late Neolithic and Bronze Age (c.2350-500 BC).

Through a discussion of previous research on prehistoric deposition, the thesis demonstrates how the use of the offering theory prevents us from seeing the fuller picture by applying a short time perspective. Nor does the theory make good use of the large variation within the group of finds. Furthermore, by seeing the objects as gifts, the objects themselves are given a rather passive role in our interpretations. Altogether, these factors create a narrow and limited framework for research.

In this thesis a theoretical and methodical framework is developed that seeks to overcome these limitations. By applying a praxis perspective and a biographical approach, the thesis examines how this alternative to the offering theory gives us a wider picture of the events that took place, and also activates the deposited objects in a way that increases their interpretative value in studies of prehistoric deposition. The applicability of the perspective is illustrated through an analysis of selected deposits from Central Norway, consisting of objects made from birch bark, amber, flint, bronze and wood.

A Bronze Age hoard was discovered in the West of Norfolk on the Fen Edge in 1992, and was excavated in subsequent years.  The hoard consists of 13 complete or fragmentary bronze objects, one stone, one complete bun ingot and 41 ingot fragments, and dates from the Late Bronze Age.  It is unusual in that it contains a complete ingot, the first from Norfolk.

One of the biggest challenges for students of the European Bronze Age is to understand the reason behind the massive deposition of large amounts of recyclable metal in non-metalliferous regions. Such depositions are particularly puzzling when material was buried in a manner which directly seems to refer to trade itself, in so-called trade hoards. Starting from the observations on a recent find of such a hoard, in Hoogeloon (NL), we zoom out to Bronze Age metalwork economy in general and the deposition of trade stock in particular. We argue that Middle Bronze Age metalwork circulation in Northwest Europe may be understood as an aes formatum system, with the serially produced axes in hoards displaying a koinè with a particular social evaluation: a ‘brand’. We suggest that objects were selected on brands during deposition in the landscape and that this ‘ritual’ act was integral to the ‘practical’ economy of circulation.

Hoards of metal objects from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages (over a 1 000 known in Poland) are distinguished as one of the most enigmatic categories of archaeological finds. Systematic investigations conducted on these assemblages in recent decades present a good reference point for broadening the field of their analysis.
This affords the opportunity to apply a new methodology and consequently focus on a broader range of research issues such as the relationship between hoard deposit loci and local settlement networks, invasive and non-invasive investigations in their deposit locus, archaeometallurgical analysis, microscopic analysis of use-wear of goods constituting these assemblages.
Research therefore of this nature can broaden our knowledge on the specificity of hoard deposit loci in the cultural landscape of various regions, microhistory of such finds, specific means of utilising metal objects, their biography, nature of the phenomenon of metal object fragmentation and many other related issues. All of the aforesaid ought to lead to a better understanding of this phenomenon and consequently the culture of communities in prehistory when the deposition of metal objects in the ground and water was commonplace.
The research potential of such a methodology is illustrated by archaeological investigations conducted in recent years, among others, in Kozow/Witaszkowo, Nętno, Gdynia-Karwiny or Rosko as well as projects realised in other parts of Europe. Coming to such an understanding would appear to be very important on account of the dramatic rise in the numbers of finds, which as a rule do not bring a greater range of information than that known from the turn of the 20th century.

Ely, Cambridgeshire, is known to tourists as an incredible city steeped in myth and legend and dominated by the Norman Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. There have been many popular books written about the Isle, but in 'Ely: A Hidden History' the approach is to look at the longue duree of life on the isle focusing on continuity and change in cultural practices.  The work combines the latest archaeological discoveries to tell the story of the settlement of the Isle from its earliest beginnings through to the seventeenth century. With vivid illustrations, the authors trace the origins of life in Ely, and bring the most recent archaeological excavations alive.

Topics covered include: the geological origins of the Isle of Ely, the first prehistoric settlement, including important archaeological sites at Haddenham, Wilburton and Barway. The foundation of the monastic centre by St Etheldreda, and the archaeological evidence for the Anglo Saxon foundations of the city, together with current thoughts on the site of St Etheldreda's first settlement. The story of Hereward the Wake, and his resistance against the Norman invaders. The Norman foundation of the cathedral and castle.

Key features of the book are discussion and synthesis of the latest research on the nationally important later Bronze Age hoard from Wilburton, and the Iron Age bog body from Soham, which highlight the importance of the Isle of Ely to British archaeology. The findings from Channel 4’s Time Team excavation of the medieval Broad Street are included, with illustrations, as are the stories of Hereward the Wake. Richly illustrated and extensively researched, this is a fascinating look at the early history of an amazing city.

Bywa, że miejsca zyskują znaczenie dzięki przypadkowym wydarzeniom, jednak częściej ich postrzeganie wynika z celowego
działania. Ta refleksja wysnuta z obserwacji społeczności z różnych części globu jest także ważna w badaniach nad pradziejami.
Analizy mające na celu poznanie zachowań przestrzennych człowieka koncentrują się na różnych kategoriach znalezisk, w ostatnich
latach również na skarbach przedmiotów metalowych. Ich enigmatyczność prowokuje do wykorzystania do interpretacji możliwie
szerokiej gamy przesłanek, choć specyficzne okoliczności okrycia większości z nich uniemożliwiają wyjście poza formalny opis artefaktów.
Odkryty na początku XX wieku i datowany na HaB1 skarb z Kowalewka pozwala lepiej zrozumieć charakter miejsc wybieranych,
aby złożyć przedmioty metalowe, a intensywne osadnictwo w rejonie zlewni dolnego biegu Samicy Kierskiej umożliwia
przedstawienie aktu jego depozycji na tle dynamicznie zarysowanych procesów osadniczych.

It happens that places gains importance due to contingent events. However, the way they are perceived is predominantly a consequence
of an intentional activity. This conclusion, which has been drawn from the observations of communities coming from different
parts of the globe, is also essential as far as the studies of prehistory are concerned. The analyses aimed at comprehending of
the human behaviour in his surrounding are focused on various categories of findings, and within the last few years they have been
concentrated on hoards. They are so enigmatic that one can implement many premises to interpret their usage. Nevertheless, the
specific circumstances of finding of the majority of them preclude more than only a standard description of the artefacts. Kowalewko
hoard which was found at the beginning of the 20th century and dated back to HaB1 allows to comprehend better the character
of places which were chosen in order to deposit metal objects. The intense settlement in the catchment area of lower reaches of the
Samica Kierska river enables to introduce this deposit against the background of dynamic settlement processes.

MÉLIN M. (2013) - Etat des connaissances concernant les découvertes métalliques en milieu humide en Pays de la Loire du Chalcolithique au début du 1er âge du Fer, in: BOULUD-GAZO S. (dir.), Le Chalcolithique et l’âge du Bronze dans les Pays de la Loire, projet collectif de recherche : bilan d'activité 2012, SRA Pays de la Loire, p. 22-34

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?

[On the question of the character of ritual deposits]
The concept of ritual deposits (hoards) is unevenly used within archaeology. Thus, the question of the character of ritual deposits is an important issue to consider in theoretical as well as methodological terms. Artefacts in deposits are recurring phenomena for various periods and in different parts of the world, constituting an essential source material for our understanding of the past. This article aims to explore the theoretical implications of the notion of ritual deposits, and discuss methodological aspects of renewed studies of assemblages of valuable artefacts. A model is discussed of how to study the biographies of objects as symbolism in rituals, and treat compound deposits as cohesive entities. Conceivably, it was precisely the combination of certain artefacts and their expression of meaning that gave rise to collective cultural aspirations, which demonstrates that deposits were the result of complex actions and beliefs.

La plupart des armes et mobilier métallique mis au jour dans la plaine alluviale rhénane n'ont pas bénéficié de publication à l'échelle nationale à l'exception des épées de la rive badoise et du casque de Weil-am-Rhein mais qui reste méconnu en France. Quant aux pièces localisées sur la rive alsacienne, la plupart n'ont fait l'objet que de notices dispersées dans les diverses revues locales d'histoire et d’archéologie. L'attribution de ce mobilier à un milieu fluvial a pendant longtemps fait l'objet d'un déni. Ce mobilier s'est vu attribué à un contexte funéraire, d'habitat ou de dépôt terrestre en fonction de la sensibilité et des orientations de recherche de chaque auteur. Voici une courte introduction à quelques armes et vaisselle d'origine fluviale mis au jour entre l'Alsace et le Bade

Cet ouvrage fait suite à la tenue d'un Séminaire Archéologique
de l'Ouest sur la relation entre l 'Homme et son environnement
pendant l'âge du Bronze dans le Nord-Ouest de la France,
qui s'est déroulé le 22 mars 2012 à l'Université de Rennes
1. La plupart de ces communications a donné lieu à des
articles traitant en particulier de l'exploitation des ressources
naturelles, tant végétales, animales que minérales, mais aussi
de l'impact de l'Homme sur son environnement, et ceci à
travers des disciplines aussi variées que la palynologie, la
malacologie marine, la dendrologie, la carpologie ou encore
à travers le macro-outillage lithique et les productions
métalliques. Les résumés des autres communications
présentées lors du séminaire viennent enrichirent ce volume:
parfois conséquents, ils complètent les articles avec beaucoup
d'intérêt et exposent des données souvent inédites.
Marqués par leur pluridisciplinarité, ces actes rassemblent
des articles d'intérêts majeurs, puisqu'ils proposent des
synthèses, des modélisations, auxquelles s'ajoutent des
données récentes et originales, issues pour la plupart de sites
préventifs récemment fouillés. Ils offrent ainsi un état très
actuel de la recherche sur la question des interactions Homme/
milieu durant la Protohistoire ancienne et participent à une
meilleure compréhension des systèmes socio-économiques
de ces communautés.

This publication follows on from a seminar which took place
on March 2012 at the University of Rennes 1 and approached
the question of the relationship between people and their
environment during the Bronze Age in north-western
France. During this seminar, various work on environmental
disciplines were presented addressing a corn mon period,
the Bronze Age. Most of these papers led to articles dealing
mainly with the exploitation of natural resources, vegetal,
animal and mineraI, but also with the impact of people on
their environment, through studies of archaeobotany, marine
malacology, dendrology, and also through macro-lithic and
metal production studies. The abstracts of the other papers
of the seminar, sometimes significant, complete this volume.
Characterized by their pluridisciplinarity, these proceedings
gather articles of major interest as they provide synthesis,
modeling, recent and original data, coming from recent
excavations. Dealing exclusively with ancient Protohistory
they contribute to a better understanding of the socioeconomic
systems of these communities.

L’objectif principal de cette étude était de mieux cerner les caractéristiques de la pratique des dépôts en milieu humide en France, ses variations dans l’espace et dans le temps, grâce à des données quantitatives et homogènes. Ce travail traite d’un corpus de 2550 objets métalliques datés de l’âge du Bronze (on fait également appel au Chalcolithique et au début du Premier âge du Fer), découverts dans divers contextes humides. Ce corpus numériquement significatif permet de limiter les objections que soulève en particulier le contexte fluvial. Les caractéristiques globales de cette pratique ont d’abord été mises en évidence à l’échelle nationale : on observe une sélection de certains types d’objets, variant dans le temps, un rythme spécifique du nombre de dépôts au cours de cette période, mais également un traitement particulier réservé à ces objets. Quelques dissemblances ont été constatées entre les découvertes fluviales, largement majoritaires, et les découvertes palustres, ce qui suggère des gestes à finalité potentiellement différente suivant ces contextes. Les mises en parallèle réalisées grâce à des découpages plus précis permettent d’observer des variations existant entre différentes régions, sur le choix des objets ou encore la fréquence des dépôts. Certains faits établis montrent par ailleurs des récurrences, qui, entrevues également dans divers pays voisins, laissent suggérer l’existence d’un fonds idéologique commun à diverses communautés d’Europe. De multiples interprétations peuvent être proposées, les moments de discontinuité pouvant par ailleurs être envisagés comme de probables moments de transformation des rituels d’immersion et/ou de leurs finalités.

Deposition of metal objects in wet places during the Bronze Age in France. A characterization of the practices of immersion.

The aim of this study was to characterize the practice of deposition of artefacts in wet places in France and its variation in time and space, through quantitative and homogeneous data. This work is based upon a corpus of 2550 Bronze Age metal objects (the Chalcolithique period and the beginning of the Iron Age are also taken into account). This extensive sample allows us to restrict the issues caused particularly by the mobility of the fluvial context. Global characteristics at a national scale are initially identified: a limited range of objects are deposited, while variations are observed during the Bronze Age; their condition reveals a distinctive treatment. The chronological distribution shows a pattern which is specific to this practice of deposition. Some divergences are noticed between the deposits made in rivers and those made in bogs and marshes, suggesting a potentially different outcome between these environments. Using a regional scale parallels are then drawn, which allows us to acutely observe the variations in the mode of deposition between different areas: the selection of the deposited artefacts can vary but so can the frequency of deposition. Some recurring patterns are observed in most regions and are also seen in other neighbouring countries: they suggest the existence of a shared ideology between many european communities. Several interpretations are proposed to explain these deposits. Some periods of discontinuity can be considered as moments of transformation in the tradition of immersion and/or their outcome.