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

were consciously formed and likely reused; this observation is detectable in other hoards
as well. The value of stockpiled tools, regardless of their preservation, is thus
underappreciated. The functional worth of all hoarded implements demonstrates, in part,
the multi-dimensional makeup and intricacy of metal assemblages.
Two foundry hoards from Mycenae warrant discussion here. The Mycenae Poros
Wall collection is envisioned as a foundry hoard because of its numerous oxhide ingot
fragments and several misshaped objects (three knives, a sword, not shown, and a broad
chisel—all bent to some degree; Plate 5.17). 635 The whole implements (two chisels, one
drill, a small hammer and a double ax) were undeniably functional, despite their physical
association with the scrap-like material. Interpretations of the hoard thus must account for
the coexistence of well-preserved and damaged objects. Categorizing the Mycenae
Tsountas hoard as belonging to a foundry is also dubious, at least with regard to its series
of implements showing minor signs of wear (Plate 5.18). 636
Of nine double axes, only
one is cracked along its shaft-hole sidewall. The others are whole but not pristine, having
been utilized prior to their deposition. The collection of broad chisels from this hoard
consisted of a few broken pieces and whole implements, many of which were worn down
from use. Some of these broad chisels display annealing marks on their tips, indicating
that the blade edges were repaired or reformed at one time (Plate 5.18).
Most implements from the Athens Acropolis hoard are whole, but a few examples
have notable damage (Plate 5.19).
637
Two halves of a double ax, each from a different
object, denote intentional manipulation, as the remnant shaft-hole walls are slightly bent
635
Poros wall hoard references: Wace 1953, Stubbings 1954, Catling 1964, 295-296; Spyropoulos 1972,
46-51.
636
Tsountas hoard references: Catling 1964, 294-295; Spyropoulos 1972, 8-45.
637
Athens Acropolis hoard references: Catling 1964, 296; Spyropoulos 1972, 63-78.
274