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

tool kit). Diversity is a hallmark of a craftsperson’s tool kit, whereby different
implements for similar jobs are needed. Such variation is detectable with the adzes
(double adze, hammer-adze, ax-adze, flat adze) and chisels (wide versus narrow). The
purpose of the other hoard objects is uncertain, but this well-defined set of tools is
unquestionably that of a carpenter or mason.
The Trésor de Bronzes carpentry/masonry tools are the best case for a Cypriot
craft-related implement set, yet several other hoards from the island also yielded practical
tool groupings. Also, two Cypriot metal smith kits are known from the Sinda and Enkomi
Foundry hoards. Generally, Cypriot hoard tools are more diverse than tools from other
regions, but the consistency of the Aegean sets is not found on Cyprus. The lack of strict
homogeneity in Cypriot hoards is accounted for by the island’s penchant for hoarding
metallurgical and agricultural tools in addition to carpentry/masonry types.
Potential tool kits from hoards in other regions (Fig. 5.4): Ugarit’s Priest House
hoard, dated to the 14 th century, is an indisputable votive assemblage. 681
Located under
the threshold of the high priest’s house, the hoard served as a foundation deposit; its
votive nature and dedication to the high priest is confirmed by an Ugaritic inscription on
the surface of several of the objects. Despite its ceremonial nature, this Ugaritic
composite of metals recalls most utilitarian hoards, for the implements (primarily
carpentry/masonry types) make up about two-thirds of the assemblage. Twenty-seven flat
axes, nine socketed adzes, three chisels and two drills form the assortment of wood- and
stone-working tools. It is unclear why these specific objects were dedicated to the high
priest, but the assemblage is unlikely to have been gathered haphazardly. The compilation
of flat axes, socketed adzes, chisels and drills may reflect a tool kit or two of Ugaritic
681 Schaeffer 1956, 251-275.
290