Modelling tribological processes to examine the use-intensity of Bronze Age palstave axes

Andrews, Miriam, Grace, Polcar, Tomas, Pike, Alistair, Sofaer, Joanna and Monaghan, Stephen (2017) Modelling tribological processes to examine the use-intensity of Bronze Age palstave axes. Historical Metallurgy Society: The Metallurgy of our Portable Heritage, Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, United Kingdom. 17 Jun 2017. (In Press)

Abstract

Historically, wear on metal artefacts has not received as much attention as other material types, e.g., lithics and bone. This is reflected in the slow development of materials science approaches, quantitative analysis, and robust systematic methodologies, in the field of metal use-wear investigation. Furthermore, research has been focused, almost exclusively, around the functionality of objects.

This project is a response to the gaps that exist within the experimental protocol of the aforementioned field, investigating a new dimension of use – the sum amount sustained by the artefact – which has been termed the ‘use-intensity’. To test this new directive, replica Bronze Age palstave axes were subjected to systematic wear in laboratory settings by repetitive wood-cutting in an ‘impact tower’. An algorithm in the rig was used to assess the optimum sharpening interval, at which point the axes were resharpened, and the experimental phase repeated. Sequential and quantitative examination by Vickers hardness testing demonstrated an incremental increase in hardness of the axe blades due to both use and sharpening.

The results of the project may be used to estimate the overall degree of use of prehistoric axes and the number of sharpening phases. More generally, the project represents the potential for establishing artefact-specific methodologies to evaluate use-intensity.

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Contributors

Author: Tomas Polcar

Author: Alistair Pike

Author: Joanna Sofaer

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