Marta, Livius et al.: The Late Bronze Age Settlement of Nyíregyháza-Oros „Úr Csere” (Satu Mare, 2010)

V. Ioan Bejinariu: Metal Objects

bracelet which profile was modified through hammering. Later on, it was sharpened at one of the extremities in order to obtain a sharp head. The chisels were absolutely necessary to somebody making bronze pieces. It was used for cutting the material, removing the seam and stubs left after casting or even for making certain types of decorations.261 This is the reason why the chisels, either made of bronze bar or provided with holding case have been often discovered in settlements and interpreted as a mark for the presence of artisans in the respective settlements.262 The piece has a dark-silver, dull appearance, characteristic to the bronze with a high content of tin. The high percentage of tin increased the alloy resistance and, implicitly, that of the objects made of it. This was probably the reason behind the transformation of an accessory device (a bracelet) into a tool used for cutting or punching.

Needles represent the richest category of metal items discovered in the Oros settlement. We are talking about at least 5-6 pieces. The same is the situation in other Late Bronze settlements, most of them belonging to the Cehăluţ-Hajdfibagos Group, of the Upper Tisa area where such pieces, with either an utilitarian role or used as ornaments, are well represented numerically.263 Three of the needles discovered at Oros have their rod punched at one of the heads (PI. 4/6, 23/8-9). They are all made of wire or of thin, round, bronze bar and the punching was accomplished either by casting264 or it was made subsequently, after flattening, by drifting a portion of the bar. Such needles, generically called “sewing needles” (Nähnadeln) must have served a practical purpose, respectively that of making or repairing garments or various other items made of textile or leather. Their frequent occurrence in graves of female persons is an argument in this respect.265 This very utilitarian role made this type of needles to appear, in a practically unmodified shape, throughout the entire Bronze era. As per the typology set by M. Novotná for the needles of this type discovered on the territory of Slovakia, the items found at Oros settlement can be framed within the second main group, characterized through the round or angular perforation located at a certain distance from the needle head.266 Given their common character, their dating can be made only through associa261 Szentmiklosi-Draşovean 2004, p. 41-44.

262 Medeleţ 1995, p. 235-236; Gogâltan 2009, p. 127; Bejinariu 2005, p. 57; Bălan 2009, p. 31.

263 Examples: Oszlár (HU)- Koós 2001, p. 218-219, PI. 1/1-10; Suplacu de Barcău (RO) - Ignat 1984, p. 10, PI. XII/3-11; Crasna (RO) - Lakó 1987, p. 77-81; Pericei (RO) - new materials in the MJIA Zalău collection.

264 A mould used for producing this type of needles was discovered at Ciunteşti (Satu Mare County) - Bader 1978, PI. LXIII/9.

265 Vasic 2003, p. 130.

266 Novotná 1980, p. 166-168.

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