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

cited as evidence for metallurgical connections. Earlier diffusion theories, though, show
that overemphasizing these similarities can be dangerous. Pare’s anti-diffusion discussion
about the chronological transition to full tin-bronze in Europe and the Mediterranean
highlights how these regions must have operated independently; at different tempos;
within their own socio-economic system; and according to differing resources and
traditions. 26
metalworking.
This observation provides a cautionary note for distinguishing craft links in
Metallographic studies evaluate the structural properties and composition of metal
objects. This method of analysis can identify technological and/or work preferences made
by the metal smith; the process involves cutting a small section from the metal object—
often along the cutting edge—and subsequently examining the structure of the sampled
piece under a microscope. Within Aegean studies, metallographic analysis is relatively
new. Tselios has demonstrated its value by establishing parallels and differences of
regional metalworking on Crete based upon microscopic evidence of casting, cold
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working, and/or annealing. A preponderance of Aegean studies on prehistoric metals
address technological and provenience issues through chemical investigation. 28
Each
object’s elemental composition contains evidence of the technological activities,
intentional or not, of smiths during casting. Successful mixing of alloys, presumably,
required a level of metallurgical proficiency indicative of informed choices. Therefore,
the appearance of similar compositional ratios, such as arsenic copper or full tin-bronze,
over wide and even culturally different areas has signaled interregional contact and
technological exchange. This approach is not flawless, since it is difficult to discern at
26 Pare 2000, 26 figure 1.14.
27 Tselios 2006; 2008, 127-129.
28 Muhly 2008a, 40-41.
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