Late Bronze Age monotypological deposits of palstave axes between the hydrographic basins of rivers Minho and Ave (Iberian Northwest): spatial contexts and interpretations Hugo Aluai Sampaio

Abstract

New interpretations to a selected set of “hoards” of palstave axes with two rings from the North-western Iberia are proposed. This task was based not only on morphological study of these objects but also on their spatial contexts of deposition.

The morphological (dimensions and weight) variations observed among the objects of a same deposit allow us to consider its formation by unique and individual objects. This reveals the use of different casting molds and alloys and, hypothetically, distinct production origins.

At the same time, the distribution of different sets appears to have relations with natural circulation corridors (rivers basins and ridges areas). These were routes known and used since long ago, which certainly promoted more than occasional encounters between distinct human groups.