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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Andrea Dolfini
This paper discusses the Neolithic beginnings of metal-using and metal-working in the central Mediterranean region. In particular, a basic yet surprisingly long-standing question is addressed: when did metallurgy appear in this region? In the middle Neolithic, as Lawrence Barfield controversially proposed, or in the late Neolithic, as most scholars seem now keen to believe? And if the latter proves true, when exactly can we date its inception considering that the Italian late Neolithic lasted for about 700 years? In the first section of the paper, it will be examined whether some of the most archaic copper axes from this region can be dated to the middle Neolithic (c.5000-4500 cal. BC). In the second section, it will be discussed whether large copper implements including axes circulated south of the Alps in the late/final Neolithic (c.4500-3600 cal. BC), and if these were made locally or were all imported from neighbouring regions where extractive technology was already practised in this time period. In the final section, later developments of Neolithic metallurgy will be briefly expounded, and concluding remarks concerning the social and technological transformation occurred at the transition between Neolithic and Copper Age will be put forward.
Author(s): Dolfini A
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Accordia Research Papers
Year: 2013
Volume: 13
Pages: 131-151
Date deposited: 30/03/2015
ISSN (print): 0968-1116
Publisher: The Accordia Research Institute
URL: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/accordia/arp.htm
