Kaján Imre (szerk.): Zalai Múzeum 23. (Zalaegerszeg, 2017)
Tarbay János Gábor: Késő bronzkori depó Oltárc–Márki hegyről (Zala m.) Őskori manipulációk, szelektív és recens törések vizsgálata
The Late Bronze Age Hoard from Oltáré Márki Hill 83 no. 1) was so fragmented that it was not possible to identify usage traces on it. However, slight horizontal impact marks were visible on its blade, latter can be the indicator of use (fig. 19, 4). The edges of the spears were also very fragmented. However, small impact marks were observed on the spearhead with stepped blade (Cat. no. 2), but these traces may also be recent. The small, flattened cutting edge of the winged axe (Cat. no. 5.1) can also be an indicator of intensive use. On the wings of the object, small impact marks in horizontal position were observed, similarly to the sword (fig. 20, 8). The most evident usage traces are on the narrow sickle blades44(fig. 21, 6), their phenomenon was observed macroscopically on the majority of them (Cat. nos. 6-7, 9-10, 12-13). Based on the latter, it can be presumed that their cutting edges were maintained and resharpened many times. Similar phenomenon can be observed among the majority of the sickles from the Kurd horizon (Ha Al),45 but examples can be mentioned from younger46 assemblages as well. In the case of two specimens, abrasion traces on their edges (fig. 21, 2, 5) were also documented. Besides, the above observations, the edge of the Cat. no. 15 sickle blade fragment should be mentioned. Along its blade, wide V-shaped notches were identified, these marks can be the results of usage and deliberate destruction as well (fig. 22, 2). The abrasion traces on the decorated surfaces of the rings and tores are unique. These traces concentrate on the middle of the objects’ back, and it is easy to observe them macroscopically due to their intensively polished surface (Cat. nos. 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) (fig. 22, 4-5, 7). Most stunning examples of the above mentioned traces can be seen on the surface of the ring with tapering terminals (Cat. no. 40) and on the annular ring (Cat. no. 42). Based on macroscopic examination, traces of use was documented on the phalera which’s loop was worn (Cat. no. 50).47 The macro- and microscopic traits of the assemblage, strongly suggest that several object had a longer life circle before their deposition. In the future, these results should be further examined by experimental archaeological methods. 3.5. Identification of prehistoric manipulations Prehistoric manipulations can take many form in the case of the Carpathian bronze hoards. Many examples are known for deliberate breakage, folding, bending, heat damage, edge damage, objects combinations, smashing of sockets etc. When we analyse prehistoric manipulations of deposited objects, it should be taken into account that some of these manipulations are not necessarily related to the act of deposition and their formation can also be explained by other reasons.48 A good example is the partitioning of defected objects and ingots49 which is a necessary part of the casting process. Without partitioning, it would be problematic to melt these larger casts and ingots in the crucible. Evidently, this does not exclude the votive interpretation50 of these assemblages, however the pattern itself has little relation to the act of deposition. It is plausible that the metal sheet (Cat. no. 52) of the Márki Hill hoard can be sorted into this category, because in folded state it is much easier to carry and store it. It is also worth to mention that the morphology of the fragments are determined by the thickness, inner structure and shape of the object and also by the strength of the mechanical effect.51 Therefore the morphology of the fragments are not always the result of an intentional act. I believe that in terms of hoard analysis, the act of breaking is more important than the patterning of the fragments morphology. The last problem is the time of these manipulations. In a hoard, we can only see the result of one or more acts but it is impossible to tell how many individual acts or even ritual activities were involved and when they happened exactly. Some of them could have happened long before the act of deposition itself. During both macro- and microscopic examinations, one of my main goal was the identification of manipulation traces. As previously mentioned, most artefacts of the Márki Hill hoard were deposited as intact usable objects, and their current fragmentary 44 GEDL 1995, 3. 45 Examples from the Bonyhád and Peterd hoards: MOZSOLICS 1985, Taf. 38, 3, 5; Taf. 59, 4. 46 TARBAY 2015, PI. 12,4. 47TARBAY2017 in press. 48 GARROW 2012, 105., 314. 49 TARBAY 2016, 102. 50 HANSEN 2016, 191. 51 HUTH 2008, 138.; TARBAY 2016, 102.
