Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of m... more Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of metal artefacts archaeologists have recovered. This paper uses published and unpublished data from Devon and Cornwall to assess the potential role of metalworkers in Bronze Age society within local and national traditions. Devon and Cornwall are of particular interest as these counties have an abundance of tin, which is necessary for bronze production, and had continental trade links, which may have increased the significance of the metalsmith. Twenty-two sites have been identified where metalworking evidence is associated with occupational contexts. This is supplemented by a further eight findspots where metalwork has been found in an occupational context and six findspots where Bronze Age metalworking evidence has been found without a specific context. The presence of metalworking craftware associated with settlements indicates the possibility for permanent or semi-permanent metalworking structures, which may have held an extended significance. The sites are then discussed in relation to past and ongoing debates. Overall, this paper offers an important contribution to the current understanding of how a metalsmith may have operated within prehistoric society, using the most current evidence, which provides a base from which to develop future research.
Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of m... more Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of metal artefacts archaeologists have recovered. This paper uses published and unpublished data from Devon and Cornwall to assess the potential role of metalworkers in Bronze Age society within local and national traditions. Devon and Cornwall are of particular interest as these counties have an abundance of tin, which is necessary for bronze production, and had continental trade links, which may have increased the significance of the metalsmith. Twenty-two sites have been identified where metalworking evidence is associated with occupational contexts. This is supplemented by a further eight findspots where metalwork has been found in an occupational context and six findspots where Bronze Age metalworking evidence has been found without a specific context. The presence of metalworking craftware associated with settlements indicates the possibility for permanent or semi-permanent metalworking structures, which may have held an extended significance. The sites are then discussed in relation to past and ongoing debates. Overall, this paper offers an important contribution to the current understanding of how a metalsmith may have operated within prehistoric society, using the most current evidence, which provides a base from which to develop future research.
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