Middle and Late Bronze Age Metal Tools from the Aegean, Eastern ...

profusion of the same category in the eastern Mediterranean hoards. Likewise, smith
tools are relatively rare in mainland hoards in comparison to Cypriot assemblages.
Three types of wood- and stone-working implements stand out within the
mainland hoards: double axes, broad chisels and narrow chisels. Knives and, on occasion,
razors (both classified as utilitarian implements) are also emblematic of Aegean hoards.
The inclusion of a double ax, chisel (of any type), and knife characterize eight mainland
hoards. A combination of at least two of the three types is found in 15 mainland
assemblages. The persistent grouping of these particular implements is an argument
against the theory that hoards are random accumulations. Rather, these tools were
consciously grouped together as a meaningful unit, probably as a craft-related tool kit.
Other carpentry/masonry implements like drills, saws, adzes and double-ended or
combination tools are sporadic in mainland hoards. The tool preferences within each
hoard are fairly comparable throughout the mainland, yet the quantity of implements
fluctuates greatly from cache to cache. This variability is especially detectable in the
number of double axes, chisels and knives per hoard, the most plentiful collections being
the Mycenae Tsountas and Athens Acropolis assemblages.
Tools in Cypriot hoards (Fig. 5.3): Tools remain the primary objects (44%) in
Cypriot hoards, but non-tools are hoarded more regularly on Cyprus than elsewhere.
Consequently, carpentry/masonry implements are not as common in Cypriot hoards as
they are in Aegean collections. The standard tools in Aegean caches (double axes, broad
chisels, and knives) also occur in Cypriot hoards but not with the same regularity. Cypriot
assemblages collectively yielded 4 double axes, 3 broad chisels and 37 knives. 617
By way
617
The Pera bronzes distort the knife quantities. If they are excluded, only six knives come from Cypriot
hoards.
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