Abstract
Debates on early metallurgy in Western Europe have frequently focused on the social value of copper (between utilitarian and symbolic) and its purported role in the emergence and consolidation of hierarchies. Recent research shows that generalisations are increasingly untenable and highlights the need for comparative regional studies. Given its location in an intermediate area, the early metallurgy of Northeast Iberia provides an interesting case in point to explore the interaction between the well-characterised traditions of southern Iberia and southern France during the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE. Here the analytical study of seven Bell Beaker (decorated and undecorated) vessels reused as crucibles at Bauma del Serrrat del Pont (Tortellà, Girona) are presented. We employed pXRF, metallography, SEM-EDS and lead isotope analyses. The results show evidence for copper smelting employing a remarkable variety of ore sources, including Solana del Bepo, Turquesa and Les Ferreres mines, and an extra unknown area. The smelting vessels were manufactured using the same clay, which contained both mineral and organic inclusions. Our results are discussed with reference to all the evidence available for metals and metallurgy in the Northeast, and more broadly in comparison to southern Iberia and southern France, with special emphasis on issues of production organisation and social complexity. Taken together, our results support the notion that copper metallurgy played a predominantly utilitarian role in Bell Beaker societies and highlight idiosyncratic aspects of the metallurgical trajectory in the Northeast. Differences between territories challenge unilinear explanations of technological and social development after the introduction of metallurgy. Separate trajectories can only be explained in relation to area-specific socio-cultural and environmental factors.
Highlights
Bauma del Serrat del Pont (Tortellà, Girona; La Bauma ) is a key site for understanding the origins of copper extractive metallurgy in the Iberian Northeast, as it presents the earliest assemblage related to metallurgical activities in the area
The differential socio-cultural dynamics operating in southern Iberia, northeastern Iberia and southern France during the late 3rd–early 2nd millennium BCE resulted in differential paths towards social complexity
Our study shows that the social value of copper is interlinked with its production and the organisation of these activities, which contributes to a better understanding of Chalcolithic societies in the Northeast
Summary
Bauma del Serrat del Pont (Tortellà, Girona; La Bauma ) is a key site for understanding the origins of copper extractive metallurgy in the Iberian Northeast, as it presents the earliest assemblage related to metallurgical activities in the area. The differential socio-cultural dynamics operating in southern Iberia, northeastern Iberia and southern France during the late 3rd–early 2nd millennium BCE resulted in differential paths towards social complexity. These paths are to some extent reflected in the different role of copper within these societies, as shown by traditional approaches to finished metallic objects. By characterising copper production debris at La Bauma and discussing these finds in relation to other evidence from the Northeast and beyond, we aim to contribute to the narrative of non-linearity towards social complexity. Our study shows that the social value of copper is interlinked with its production and the organisation of these activities, which contributes to a better understanding of Chalcolithic societies in the Northeast
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