Project Manager
Sörman, AnnaProject manager
Stockholm UniversityAmount granted
60 000 SEKYear
2015
In recent decades, large-scale archaeological excavations have led to more and more traces of Bronze Age metalwork being found in Sweden. Finds of crucibles, molds and metal drops that indicate that bronze casting was carried out are not only increasingly common, but can now also be linked to many different types of sites. This makes it possible to explore Bronze Age metal craftsmanship based on the production sites themselves rather than the finished objects: In which environments was bronze cast? How widespread was the craft and under what conditions did it take place? How was bronze casting perceived by people during the Bronze Age and what can the organization of metal craftsmanship say about the role of bronze and craftsmanship in society?
These questions are explored in the dissertation project "Arenas of craftsmanship - bronze casting in the South Scandinavian Bronze Age". The starting point is to map and study bronze casting sites in detail to understand how casting was organized and experienced. The thesis results in a new interpretative model for the organization of craftsmanship during the Middle and Late Bronze Age in southern Scandinavia. The results show a craft organization that is very different from today's experiences and views on technology in modern society. Bronze Age metal craftsmanship is thus a fascinating basis for reflection on the social significance of production, both now and then.