Pre-roman iron age metalworking tools from England and Wales: their use, technology, and archaeological context

Abstract

Archaeological evidence suggests that a wide range of metalworking techniques was employed during the Iron Age in Britain. This study examines the metalworking tools which have survived, principally those made of iron, and includes hearth implements, and tools for forming, decorating, and finishing metals. The ferrous metalworking tools are analysed in terms of typology and technology. Their occurrence in different types of archaeological contexts is examined, in particular relationships with metalworking residues. Functional and social use of the tools is discussed. Forty-one edge tools and six hearth implements are examined by metallography. The results are discussed according to tool type, and are further assessed by comparison with other categories of Iron Age ferrous artifacts (from published sources), and with metalworking tools of similar date from the Continent.