12 papers by 22 authors from the “Metools” symposium (Queens University, Belfast, 2016), aim to shine a spotlight on the tools of the metalworker and to follow their evolution from the beginning of the Bronze Age through to the Iron Age, as well as the place held by metalworking and its artisans in the economic and social landscape of the period.
Metalworkers and their Tools brings together 12 papers by 22 authors from the "Metools" international symposium organised in at Queens University, Belfast in June 2016 as part of the HardRock project "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: context, function, and choice of early metalworking tools on Europe's Atlantic facade" (Marie Sklodowska Curie, No. 623392) and the "Metal Ages in Europe" commission of the International Union of Pre- and Protohistoric Sciences (UISPP). Its aim was to shine a spotlight on the tools of the metalworker and to follow their evolution from the beginning of the Bronze Age through to the Iron Age, as well as the place held by metalworking and its artisans in the economic and social landscape of the period.
**The Art of Alchemy in Metalworking An Unveiled Journey Through Mystical and Modern Crafting** Unlock the enchanting realm where ancient mysticism meets modern science with "The Art of Alchemy in Metalworking”! Delve into the rich tapestry of alchemical practices that have shaped the evolution of metalworking from the dawn of civilization to the cutting-edge innovations of today. **Dive into the Historical Tapestry** Begin your journey with an exploration of the alchemical roots deeply woven into the fabric of ancient metalworking. Discover how early civilizations used alchemy to transform basic metals into prized alloys, setting the stage for modern metallurgy. Learn about the cultural influences that flavored these ancient practices and their lasting impacts on societies around the globe. **Discover the Mystical Qualities of Metals** Each chapter peels back the layers of history and reveals the alchemical processes behind some of the most significant metals and alloys known to man. From the legendary transmutations of copper and the history-changing introduction of bronze to the golden elegance of brass and the enigmatic strength of steel, find out how alchemists viewed and worked with these powerful substances. **Modern Applications with Ancient Wisdom** Explore how these age-old practices have evolved and are applied in contemporary industries. See how the alchemical traditions still influence jewelry making, weapon production, and even biomedical alloys. Understand the philosophical and symbolic meanings that these metals held, and how those meanings translate into modern scientific understandings and applications. **Sustainable and Future-Forward** The book also delves into the environmental impacts of metalworking through a historical lens, offering insights into sustainable practices that promise a greener future. Discover the potential for alchemical principles to inspire future technological advancements, blending time-honored wisdom with cutting-edge science. "The Art of Alchemy in Metalworking" is more than a book; it's a journey through time, merging the mystical and the modern to show how far we've come—and how far we can still go. Embrace the secrets of the past to forge the innovations of the future!
Almost fifty years ago J. J. Butler started his research to trace the possible remains of a Bronze Age metalworker's workshop in the Netherlands. Yet, while metalworking has been deduced on the ground of the existence of regional types of axes and some scarce finds related to metalworking, the smith's workplace has remained elusive. In this Research Master Thesis I have tried to tackle this problem. I have considered both the social as well as the technological aspects of metalworking to be able to determine conclusively whether metalworking took place in the Netherlands or not. The first part of the thesis revolves around the social position of the smith and the social organization of metalworking. My approach entails a re-evaluation of the current theories on metalworking, which I believe to be unfounded and one-sided. They tend to disregard production of everyday objects of which the most prominent example is the axe. The second part deals with the technological aspects of metalworking and how these processes are manifested in the archaeological record. Based on evidence from archaeological sites elsewhere in Europe and with the aid of experimental archaeology a metalworking toolkit is constructed. Finally, a method is presented which might help archaeologists recognize the workplace of a Bronze Age smith.
Prof. James D. Muhly has enjoyed a distinguished career in the study of ancient history, archaeology, and metallurgy that includes an emeritus professorship at the University of Pennsylvania and a term as director of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens as well as receiving the Archaeological Institute of America's Pomerance Award for Scientific Contributions to Archaeology. In Muhly's honor, a total of 38 eminent scholars have contributed 30 articles that include topics on Bronze and Iron Age metallurgy around the Eastern Mediterranean in such places as Crete, the Cyclades, Cyprus, and Turkey.
In Craftsmen and Jewelers in the Middle and Lower Danube Region (6th to 7th Centuries) Daniela Tănase uses archaeological evidence to examine blacksmithing and goldsmithing and shows how the practice was subject to multiple influences.
