After a period of training in analytical approaches to metallurgy with the supervision of Dr Andrea Dolfini at Newcastle University, in the summer-autumn 2016 I was able to elaborate the first wide databank so far available for Wear Analysis of early prehistoric metalwork in Italy. Drawing on this, I have successfully built a new classification scheme for the many hundreds of large copper-alloy implements known to-date for the Late/Final Neolithic and Copper Age, which incorporates previously separated aspects of the life-history (and archaeological classification/examination) of these objects, including morphology, manufacture, use/maintenance, and post-depositional alterations. A general ordering of the forms on the basis of metric attributes (e.g. width, length, proportion ratios etc.) has been followed by the elaboration of a classification scheme for the objects, which is hierarchically articulated into classes, subclasses and types according to principles inspired by biological taxonomy.
In the last few months, I have elaborated the new chronological sequence of the early Italian metalwork ordered according to the mentioned classification, including a succession of five Metallurgical horizons comprised between 4500 – 2000 BC. The validity and credibility of the new sequence has been positively tested by applying the statistical method of Bayesian analysis, in which I have also trained during the Fellowship. This new chronology, which for the most part dovetails with the classification work, has dramatically changed received wisdom concerning the progression of metal technology in early Europe.
The presentation of 4 different papers at international Conference meetings (Liverpool, Durham and Maastricht), a talk delivered at Newcastle University, and the feedbacks received there, will all contribute to the scheduled publications. Specifically, 5 papers are being prepared, to be submitted to peer-reviewed international journals between late 2017 and early 2018. One paper (Antiquity) will discuss the problem of the existence of a metallurgical hiatus in northern Italy around 3600-3300 BC. Two extensive papers in collaboration with Dr Dolfini and contributions from several Italian scholars are specifically designed to give a detailed account of the project and to ignite a new debate on chronology, classification and technological assessment of early metalwork in the Central Mediterranean (Prähistorische Zeitschrift, Rivista di Scienze Preistoriche). This point needs stressing, since in the last few decades Italian academic debate on the prehistoric archaeology of the metal ages has been increasingly narrow and localised. Two other papers (Metalla, Journal of Archaeological Science) will detail analytical aspects of the Wear Analyses carried out within the project. An additional important goal of the implementation strategy has been setting up several Europe-wide collaborations with archaeologists and experts engaged in conserving and studying prehistoric metalwork.
