Types and shapes vary through time and space although functionality is of
prime importance. The degree of uniformity Roman smiths achieved when
forging iron implements is highly debatable and what you see from the
outside may not tell you a thing about what is actually inside!
Yes . . . the time/space variability is what White predicted would be found on closer inspection. You are saying that individual craftspersons or shops own work may be highly variable and the amount of weathering a given artifact has undergone will cloud the view? Mosts of what I have seen is fragmentary but will be cataloged as well. However there are a few in very recognizable shape, (ax, bells, and strigil) as well as some fragments that may be identified with some tool type with study.
Intra-site distribution and extra-site origin. Should fit in well with
your GIS approach.
That's what I'm aiming at. There is slag of various contents (unidentifiable by myself), a 'forge' feature, a crucible was found (contents preserved), and today I was informed an ingot was discovered last season (I am told it is stamped).
. . . the bible for Roman period iron
tools is:
Guenter Ulbert (1984) Caceres el Viejo. Madrider Beitraege Band 11. Mainz:
Philipp von Zabern
!!!Yes!?! Thank you very much! I'll go for it immediately. Thanks for the your insight. M.Weinert/University of Louisville
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