ARC2119/3119

THE ART OF THE METALSMITH

2012-13

ESSAYS
NB: The sign-up list for these essays will be posted on my noticeboard outside Rm 218 at 11.30am on 2nd Oct. There will be 4 slots per essay topic.

In each case head your work with the essay number and compose a title to suit your work.

Level 2: ARC2119

1) Examine carefully the three objects shown on ELE and describe the range of metals shown and the manufacturing and finishing techniques used in the production of each object.

2) Find in the literature two examples of hoards comprising primarily of metalwork and not directly associated with human burial. In each case, describe the period and cultural context and then describe the discovery of the hoard and its contents, and discuss current debates concerning the circumstances of the deposition of the hoard. Try to choose one hoard that contains scrap metal, metal workers tools or metal ingots and one with only finished objects.

3) Describe, using up to eight illustrated objects taken from the collections of major international museums, how the changing properties (e.g. sound, colour, hardness, workability etc.) of metal mixtures (alloys) have been exploited in the past.

4) Metal-workers often occupy a distinct and well-defined position within social hierarchies. Use examples from both the archaeological and the ethnographic record to describe the role of the blacksmith in pre-industrial societies.

Level 3: ARC3119

1) Find in the literature two examples of human burials from beyond the British Isles that contained significant quantities of metal objects. Describe the period and cultural context of the burials and then compare and contrast the two burials, paying attention to current explanations for the inclusion and role of the metalwork in the burial.

2) Examine carefully the three objects shown on ELE and describe the range of metals shown and the manufacturing and finishing techniques used in the production of each object. In each case consider how the metals and techniques used reflect the function and cultural value of the object.

3) Demonstrate, using up to eight illustrated objects taken from the collections of major international museums, the use of metals in the development of warfare and weapons. Describe how metallurgical developments, such as the progression from non-ferrous to ferrous metals or the use of steel, are reflected in the chosen objects.

4) In many societies the smelting of metals and manufacture of metallic objects is regarded as mysterious and magical. Find and discuss examples in the archaeological and ethnographic literature that indicate a level of ritual behaviours associated with metalsmiths.

Notes Many of these questions require you to search the literature for examples. The range of topics covered by the questions cant be represented in a standard reading list. Researching the essay topics will provide good experience in exploring the literature but it is very important to be discerning about internet sources. The excellent on-line collections and associated thematic information on the web pages of the major international museums is a very good starting point for images, reading and further references.

Be open to looking at examples from cultures across the world, from South America to China.