Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WHAM (WHat this Awl Means: A functional and social analysis of prehistoric metal awls from Europe)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2021-04-01 al 2023-03-31
The project envisaged the techno-functional study of metal artefacts of a specific typological class that has been very little studied: the oldest awls. In a nutshell, it was a matter of defining certain physical, evolutionary and chronological aspects of a specific European metal element spread over a wide temporal and geographical span.
More specifically, the WHAM project studied a cross-cultural phenomenon during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age in southern Europe and the British Isles. For the most part, these are archaeological objects of clear functional value, probably used, from sites of different types.
The research work was carried out using different approaches: Typological, Technological , Functional and Experimental.
The levels of analysis are closely linked to each other and form a powerful analytical method (TTFS method) with which information useful for understanding how these tools were produced, used and modified by the different phases of use has been derived. Particular attention was paid to artefacts found in association with stone or shell ornaments on which traces of manufacture left by the use of the awls (e.g. in the drilling and/or engraving phases) were sought.
The research objectives can be categorised into two broad groups.
Techno-functional objectives:
• Development of a study method/analytical procedure that is effective in recognising the diagnostic traces of the manufacturing sequence.
• Determination of the raw material by means of a bibliographic dataset in the scientific literature
• Distinction of techno-functional traces, alterations (e.g. patinas) and post-depositional traces.
• Identification of traces of use on the awls to distinguish used from unused objects and the different ways in which the tools were used.
Archaeological interpretation objectives:
• The main output of the work is the recognition of different awls types (a revolutionary morpho-typological classification was created). Subsequently, each morphological type was associated with a function.
• Distinguishing at least between pre-Bell beaker culture; Bell beaker culture; and Early Bronze Age awls.
• Recognition of possible regionalisms.
• In-depth study of possible cultural meanings.
In summary, the WHAM research project provides new interpretations of the ways in which some of the major ancient techniques (e.g. tattooing, stitching, basketry) were carried out in different eras of the past. In particular, it emphasised how social changes altered the techniques themselves (e.g. the shift from organic to metallic objects). WHAM project has analysed some ancient procedures to enable us to gain a better understanding of the processes by highlighting the social contexts in which they took place. Indeed, it has revealed certain skills, traditions that, expressed through the actions of the individual craftsman, are reflected in the physical appearance of the object.
More specifically, the WHAM project studied a cross-cultural phenomenon during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age in southern Europe and the British Isles. For the most part, these are archaeological objects of clear functional value, probably used, from sites of different types.
The research work was carried out using different approaches: Typological, Technological , Functional and Experimental.
The levels of analysis are closely linked to each other and form a powerful analytical method (TTFS method) with which information useful for understanding how these tools were produced, used and modified by the different phases of use has been derived. Particular attention was paid to artefacts found in association with stone or shell ornaments on which traces of manufacture left by the use of the awls (e.g. in the drilling and/or engraving phases) were sought.
The research objectives can be categorised into two broad groups.
Techno-functional objectives:
• Development of a study method/analytical procedure that is effective in recognising the diagnostic traces of the manufacturing sequence.
• Determination of the raw material by means of a bibliographic dataset in the scientific literature
• Distinction of techno-functional traces, alterations (e.g. patinas) and post-depositional traces.
• Identification of traces of use on the awls to distinguish used from unused objects and the different ways in which the tools were used.
Archaeological interpretation objectives:
• The main output of the work is the recognition of different awls types (a revolutionary morpho-typological classification was created). Subsequently, each morphological type was associated with a function.
• Distinguishing at least between pre-Bell beaker culture; Bell beaker culture; and Early Bronze Age awls.
• Recognition of possible regionalisms.
• In-depth study of possible cultural meanings.
In summary, the WHAM research project provides new interpretations of the ways in which some of the major ancient techniques (e.g. tattooing, stitching, basketry) were carried out in different eras of the past. In particular, it emphasised how social changes altered the techniques themselves (e.g. the shift from organic to metallic objects). WHAM project has analysed some ancient procedures to enable us to gain a better understanding of the processes by highlighting the social contexts in which they took place. Indeed, it has revealed certain skills, traditions that, expressed through the actions of the individual craftsman, are reflected in the physical appearance of the object.
WHAM is the first project to evaluate these tools in their socio-technical dimensions.
Based on a reading of the scientific literature, the first continental synthesis of objects from 7 European countries was compiled, with a total of about 550 objects. This survey makes it possible to highlight various aspects of a cultural nature such as: techno-typological evolution according to archaeological periods, associations with biological genders, etc.. The first supra-regional typological classification of European awls was created. Of great importance is the fact that specific criteria for recognising the different parts of objects have been identified in an attempt to bring order to the existing literature.
A comprehensive experimental programme was conducted on the production, alteration and main functional hypotheses relating to early copper alloy awls. Various manufacturing techniques (metal and lithic tools) were tried out in an attempt to relate the processes to the characteristic errors and alterations that the artefacts naturally undergo over time. The data collected has led to significant new discoveries such as the use of craft tools (primary and secondary) for their production, the way artefacts were worked and handled (e.g. differences between right-handed and left-handed people). From the point of view of functional analysis, tests were carried out in the main fields of theoretical use : chipping, stitching, tattooing, engraving, perforation, working with fibres. This led not only to the recognition of specific characteristics (functional diagnostic criteria) for each activity, but it was also possible to link certain practices to specific morphologies.
By critically re-evaluating the contexts of awls deposition, the project developed new and nuanced understandings of early social identities, moving away from prevailing binary readings (e.g. male/female; skilled/unskilled; specialist/non-specialist). The archaeological corpus studied through the multi-analytical method developed over the past two years has provided revolutionary information on the concrete choices and gender of tool users, ergonomics, and the degree of complexity and specialisation required to use the tools.
Grave goods are indicators of the buried individual's role as a craftsman. Traditionally interpreted as possessions owned by the deceased, the functional results of the WHAM project tie in with those social readings of grave goods that read them as potential gifts expressing the ties between the living and the dead. Only the combination of detailed functional and contextual studies can lead to solid interpretations.
The first results have been disseminated with some public outreach activities of various kinds. In addition to participation in 2 international scientific conferences in France, were also chosen mass media: the awareness-raising activities concerned Italian national newspapers and national television programmes.
Based on a reading of the scientific literature, the first continental synthesis of objects from 7 European countries was compiled, with a total of about 550 objects. This survey makes it possible to highlight various aspects of a cultural nature such as: techno-typological evolution according to archaeological periods, associations with biological genders, etc.. The first supra-regional typological classification of European awls was created. Of great importance is the fact that specific criteria for recognising the different parts of objects have been identified in an attempt to bring order to the existing literature.
A comprehensive experimental programme was conducted on the production, alteration and main functional hypotheses relating to early copper alloy awls. Various manufacturing techniques (metal and lithic tools) were tried out in an attempt to relate the processes to the characteristic errors and alterations that the artefacts naturally undergo over time. The data collected has led to significant new discoveries such as the use of craft tools (primary and secondary) for their production, the way artefacts were worked and handled (e.g. differences between right-handed and left-handed people). From the point of view of functional analysis, tests were carried out in the main fields of theoretical use : chipping, stitching, tattooing, engraving, perforation, working with fibres. This led not only to the recognition of specific characteristics (functional diagnostic criteria) for each activity, but it was also possible to link certain practices to specific morphologies.
By critically re-evaluating the contexts of awls deposition, the project developed new and nuanced understandings of early social identities, moving away from prevailing binary readings (e.g. male/female; skilled/unskilled; specialist/non-specialist). The archaeological corpus studied through the multi-analytical method developed over the past two years has provided revolutionary information on the concrete choices and gender of tool users, ergonomics, and the degree of complexity and specialisation required to use the tools.
Grave goods are indicators of the buried individual's role as a craftsman. Traditionally interpreted as possessions owned by the deceased, the functional results of the WHAM project tie in with those social readings of grave goods that read them as potential gifts expressing the ties between the living and the dead. Only the combination of detailed functional and contextual studies can lead to solid interpretations.
The first results have been disseminated with some public outreach activities of various kinds. In addition to participation in 2 international scientific conferences in France, were also chosen mass media: the awareness-raising activities concerned Italian national newspapers and national television programmes.
In addition to the scientific and methodological results briefly described in the preceding paragraphs, which will be detailed and disseminated in at least two major scientific publications, a very advanced draft of a volume (of about 200 pages) was prepared, listing and describing all the stages of the work and the data obtained.
From a methodological point of view, the work:
Offers a very useful working scheme for future generations of researchers.
It presents a first coherent and structured typology of European awls.
From an interpretative point of view, the work:
Repositioning the debate in Europe so that the awls are interpreted through complex methods.
It suggests how metal awls may have defined gender identities in prehistoric Europe and help us towards an understanding of the emergence of the skill sets that have characterised European groups since late prehistoric times.
In conclusion, WHAM is a pioneering and original research on use-wear study of metal objects. It is the only scientific work in the field of academia that has developed a cutting-edge method of functional analysis that combines direct knowledge of production techniques, uses and ancient gestures with a correct interpretation of the traces left on small prehistoric artefacts, even those extremely altered by taphonomic processes (e.g. patinas).
From a methodological point of view, the work:
Offers a very useful working scheme for future generations of researchers.
It presents a first coherent and structured typology of European awls.
From an interpretative point of view, the work:
Repositioning the debate in Europe so that the awls are interpreted through complex methods.
It suggests how metal awls may have defined gender identities in prehistoric Europe and help us towards an understanding of the emergence of the skill sets that have characterised European groups since late prehistoric times.
In conclusion, WHAM is a pioneering and original research on use-wear study of metal objects. It is the only scientific work in the field of academia that has developed a cutting-edge method of functional analysis that combines direct knowledge of production techniques, uses and ancient gestures with a correct interpretation of the traces left on small prehistoric artefacts, even those extremely altered by taphonomic processes (e.g. patinas).