Paper short abstract:

The paper explores insights into Bronze Age metalworking techniques through experimental archaeology and addresses the potential of experimental archaeology for sustainable development in contemporary crafts practice from a designer/maker perspective.

Paper long abstract:

The Ireland-based Umha Aois project has brought together archaeologists, sculptors and craftspeople since 1995 to experiment with many of the processes involved in producing cast bronze artefacts. By continuously eliminating modern tools and facilities the group has refined both efficiency and authenticity of its methods. Using charcoal-fired pit furnaces fuelled by bag bellows together with stone and clay moulds, the group has produced replicas of excellent quality, including spear heads, axeheads, swords and most recently LBA horns.

Experimental archaeology offers the involved archaeologists a hands-on approach to BA metalworking techniques and with it a deeper, sensory understanding of the complex processes involved which cannot be achieved with a cognitive approach alone. For the craftspeople involved in experimental archaeology, however, it has further implications for their practice. Re-discovering and applying pre-historic methods can offer economic, environmental and social advantages for their professional practice, enabling economically viable and environmentally sustainable casting for production of craftwork and commissions.

On the example of producing a LBA Irish horn replica, the paper follows the process and compares costs and environmental impact studies (EE and CO2 emissions) for both BA and contemporary ceramic shell processes. It will explore potential, risks and limitations of introducing BA methods to contemporary craft practice but will also examine the relationship of maker and material now and in the past. In reverse, it poses the question how these issues were relevant to the BA maker.