Work

The metalwork hoard from Czarków, Gliwice District, Silesian Voivodeship: discovery context, elemental composition, and wear analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Czarków hoard, discovered accidentally in 1875, probably during agricultural work, comprised 21 bronzeartefacts and ceramic vessel fragments, presumably the original container. The assemblage includes socketed axes of Lusatian and Middle Danubian types, a tanged sickle, and a spearhead.Metallurgical analysis indicates the use of tin bronze with low tin and trace levels of arsenic, antimony, nickel, silver, and lead. Both local and non-local artefacts share similar metal compositions.Use-wear and manufacturing traces confirm that all axes underwent finishing and use, with evidence of blade hammering and socket edge modification, particularly on the Lusatian types. Transverse grinding traces suggest resharpening prior to deposition.Comparative studies date the hoard’s inventory to the Late Bronze Age HB2-HB3 phases (ca. 1000-750 BC).

Source: Sprawozdania Archeologiczne

DOI: 10.23858/sa/77.2025.1.4131

Authors: Kamil Nowak, Dawid Sych, Beata Badura, Paweł Derkowski

Institutions: Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austrian Archeological Institute, University of Leicester, Polish Geological Institute

Language: English

Topic: Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika w Toruniu

OpenAlex ID: W4416954912

FWCI:

Cites: 15

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Related to: 10