WHAM · WHat this Awl Means: A functional and social analysis of prehistoric metal awls from Europe

WHat this Awl Means: A functional and social analysis of prehistoric metal awls from Europe

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.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union