Early Imports in the Late Bronze Age of South-Western Iberia: The Bronze Ornaments of the Hypogea at Monte da Ramada 1 (Southern Portugal)

P. Valério, M. F. Araújo, A. M. M. Soares, R. J. C. Silva, Lídia Baptista, R. Mataloto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The composition and manufacture of Late Bronze Age metallic artefacts from funerary and domestic contexts of southern inland Portugal was studied. The prevailing trend comprises binary bronzes (10.3 ± 2.1 wt% Sn) showing deformed equiaxial grains, annealing twins and slip bands. The alloy composition is somewhat independent of artefact type, while the manufacture seems to rely on artefact function and the skilfulness of the metallurgist. The technological characteristics were linked with archaeological and chronological features, disclosing some artefacts of uncommon composition, such as low-tin bronze bracelets (4.3–7.1 wt% Sn) associated with ornaments of exotic materials (glass and Egyptian faience beads, and also ostrich egg shell beads). The assemblage testifies to an archaic trade with the Mediterranean region before the establishment of the first Phoenician colonies on the southern Iberian coast.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)255-268
Number of pages14
JournalArchaeometry
Volume60
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2018

Keywords

  • bronze alloy
  • composition
  • hardness
  • Late Bronze Age
  • manufacture
  • Mediterranean trade
  • south-western Iberia

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