Abstract
This thesis examines three types of artefact considered characteristic of the Irish Middle Bronze Age. These artefacts are conventionally referred to as looped spearheads (778 examples), dirks/rapiers (458 examples) and flanged axes/pal staves (1186 examples). For each artefact type a classification scheme is presented plus a detailed catalogue of finds and selected illustrations. Specific emphasis is placed upon the evolution and development of design and how and why these changed through time. The function of each artefact type is considered which is particularly significant for the axe series as to whether axes can be regarded as weapons, tools or both.The Irish Bronze Age has suffered from poor and unreliable information relating to the provenance and details of single finds and hoard complexes. This is largely a legacy of Antiquarian trade. As a result specific consideration has bee paid to the dating and distribution of Irish artefacts to avoid misleading conclusions particularly when plotting distribution maps The low frequency of hoards has focused attention on the details of typology and classification.
The technological process of casting bronzes is examined in order to gain a greater appreciation of its effect on the range of shapes, and variability in form of artefacts cast from the same mould. Also discussed is the controversy surrounding the date and location of prehistoric mines in Ireland and the traditional model of trade as a mechanism of diffusion. Recent dating evidence from SW Ireland and the discovery of the Moor Sand and Langdon Bay cargoes suggest that mines such as Mount Gabriel in County Cork are Bronze Age in date and that trade was an important mechanism of diffusion.
A phenomenon of the Bronze Age is the location of artefacts in 'wet locations':- rivers, 1akes or bogs. The possible reasons behind the deposition and recovery of these artefacts are appraised, related specifically to their interpretation as ritual deposits, indicators of ~ previous settlement, or resulting form accidental/transport loss. This includes a discussion of the mechanisms which have uncovered such artefacts particularly the drainage schemes a1ong the River Bann, County Antrim.
| Date of Award | Dec 1989 |
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| Original language | English |
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