The earliest metallurgy in the Northeast Iberian Peninsula. Origin, use and socioeconomic implications (original) (raw)

2015, Hauptmann, A. & Modarressi-Tehrani, D. (ed) Archaeometallurgy in Europe III. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference, Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum, June 29 – July 1, 2011. Der ANSCHNITT Beiheft 26, pp. 55-62

Abstract. The earliest gold and copper objects from Northeastern Iberian Peninsula are dated to the Late Neolithic (c. 3300 cal BC). Until now it was assumed that these communities were carrying out mine, smelting and melting metal activities. However, according to our research, first unequivocal confirmation of metal production is not dated until later, related to Bell Beaker (c. 2800 cal BC). It was carried out a study of these early metal objects by compositional, metallographic and typological analysis. Our findings suggest, first, the existence of close links with metallurgical centres from Western Switzerland and mainly southern France (Cabrières-Péret district, Hérault). From there final metal products would have distributed but not the knowledge or the techniques for their production. These would have been "captive", being North Eastern Iberia communities simple consumers with little or no understanding of the metallurgical process. Secondly, within the socio-economic field, these objects would have a very relative impact. Functional analysis indicate that both tools and ornaments were used repeatedly and continuously in daily life activities. However in no case came to be used exclusively in any sphere of social production. Finally, the funerary practices of this moment show that arrival of the metal did not involve substantial changes in existing community social relations. First signs of social asymmetries will not appear until the beginning of Bell Beaker. Keywords: First Metallurgy, Copper, Gold, Late Neolithic, Northeastern Iberian Peninsula