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Production of bronze objects

Stone moulds into which molten bronze was poured to form axe heads found in Montale and Gorzano (circa XVth century BC). Stone moulds into which molten bronze was poured to form axe heads found in Montale and Gorzano (circa XVth century BC).
Dagger and axe used as models for reproductions (terramare in Montale and Gorzano, circa XVth century BC). Dagger and axe used as models for reproductions (terramare in Montale and Gorzano, circa XVth century BC).
The smelting process entails digging a hole in the ground in which combustible material is placed, possibly oak or beech. Once the fire is alight, the crucible is inserted: a small hemispherical bowl with a spout. This crucible contains enough metal to fashion the desired object. The smelting process entails digging a hole in the ground in which combustible material is placed, possibly oak or beech. Once the fire is alight, the crucible is inserted: a small hemispherical bowl with a spout. This crucible contains enough metal to fashion the desired object.
To reach the temperature required for smelting alloys (1000 degrees) bellows are used made of two skin sacks which, working alternately, funnel the air into a single curved nozzle. To reach the temperature required for smelting alloys (1000 degrees) bellows are used made of two skin sacks which, working alternately, funnel the air into a single curved nozzle.
Once the metal reaches melting point, the bronze is poured into the mould, which is previously placed next to the firing pit in order to heat the stone. Once the metal reaches melting point, the bronze is poured into the mould, which is previously placed next to the firing pit in order to heat the stone.
The result of smelting a bronze dagger. The result of smelting a bronze dagger.
Pouring metal into an axe mould. Pouring metal into an axe mould.
The next phase in the metalworking operation is the most delicate and laborious. In the case of an axe head this involves shaping edges and fashioning the blade, and this is done by alternate hammering after a series of re-heating and cooling phases. The next phase in the metalworking operation is the most delicate and laborious. In the case of an axe head this involves shaping edges and fashioning the blade, and this is done by alternate hammering after a series of re-heating and cooling phases.
Various stages in manufacturing a bronze axe. Various stages in manufacturing a bronze axe.
The axe handle, made of oak, ash or maple, is then bound to the head using vegetable-fibre rope and pitch. The axe handle, made of oak, ash or maple, is then bound to the head using vegetable-fibre rope and pitch.