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

hoard is overwhelmingly made up of implements; its carpentry/masonry tools numbered
9 double axes, 13 knives, 14 broad chisels, 6 narrow chisels and 9 awls (Plate 5.18). 664
This collection has been interpreted as a merchant assemblage, yet the strong preference
for certain objects may reflect a series of tool kits. There are slight variations in the
length and cutting widths of the chisels and double axes, which may also signify a craft
set. The predilection for groups of double axes, chisels and knives is attested in other LH
hoards, supporting the notion that the Tsountas tools were envisioned either as a large kit
with multiple copies of the same tools, or a series of smaller, standardized craft sets.
Despite its many fragmentary items, the Orchomenos hoard was formed in part by
a kit remarkable in its range of complete tools: one double ax, one broad chisel, one
narrow chisel, one drill and one knife (Plate 5.29). These five distinct items are the only
intact implements from the hoard, though fragmentary examples of each type also came
to light.
Implements are the chief object within the Kalydon-Psorolithi hoard from Aitolia.
Included are two double axes, two broad chisels, one knife, and six sickles that closely
resemble knives (Plate 5.2). The unbroken, broad chisels differ only minimally in size
(13.1 versus 14.8 cm in length; 4.1 versus 4.8 cm in cutting width) thus lacking the
typical chisel diversity found in most Aegean hoards. Notwithstanding the absence of
narrow chisels, the customary stock of Aegean tools is present in the Kalydon hoard.
665
This excellent preservation and representative assortment of tools make a
strong case for a deliberately compiled kit. Evidently, the Orchomenos hoard owner
acquired at least one wood- and stone-working tool kit and the fragmentary remains of
others.
664 Catling 1964, 294; Spyropoulos 1972, 8-45.
665 Spyropoulos 1970.
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