Tal Kan-Cipor-Meron, Sana Shilstein, Yosi Levi, Sariel Shalev

Type, Shape and Composition: The Middle Bronze Age II Daggers in Rishon le-Zion, Israel

Introduction

Type, shape and composition: the middle bronze age ii daggers in rishon le-zion, israel. Explore Middle Bronze Age II daggers from Rishon le-Zion, Israel. Discover their tin-bronze, arsenical copper composition, and how type and shape relate to stylish, decorated objects.

Abstract

A rich assemblage of Middle Bronze Age II daggers from the Rishon le-Zion excavations in Israel was studied. These daggers were found to be made of tin-bronze, arsenical copper or copper with tin and arsenic. Relations between type, shape and composition are established, showing that greater control of composition and shape are directly related to the production of more stylish decorated objects.

Review

This paper presents a focused and valuable investigation into the Middle Bronze Age II daggers discovered at Rishon le-Zion, Israel. By analyzing a substantial assemblage of these artifacts, the study aims to establish critical relationships between their morphological characteristics (type and shape) and their metallurgical composition. Such an endeavor promises to deepen our understanding of ancient craftsmanship, technological sophistication, and the cultural significance of metal objects during a pivotal period in the Levant. The abstract effectively highlights the core of the research, emphasizing the intricate link between material science and artifact aesthetics. A significant strength of this research lies in its interdisciplinary methodology, integrating detailed archaeological typology with rigorous material science through compositional analysis. The identification of diverse alloy types, specifically tin-bronze, arsenical copper, and combinations of copper with both tin and arsenic, provides crucial insights into the metallurgical knowledge and deliberate choices of MBA II artisans. The most compelling finding—that increased control over both the material composition and the overall shape of the daggers directly corresponds to the production of more stylish and decorated objects—is particularly noteworthy. This suggests a sophisticated level of industrial organization and specialized skill, indicating a deliberate pursuit of aesthetic refinement alongside functional utility. While the abstract clearly articulates the correlation between production control and aesthetic outcome, a more detailed elaboration on the specific manifestations of this relationship would further enhance the paper's impact. For instance, it would be beneficial to understand if certain alloy types were consistently reserved for decorated pieces, or if specific shapes were exclusively associated with higher-status, ornamented daggers. Future avenues for discussion could explore the broader socio-economic implications of this "greater control," such as links to elite patronage, the organization of specialized workshops, or the networks involved in procuring diverse raw materials. Expanding on the specific nature of the "stylish decorated objects" and offering comparative insights with contemporary dagger production from other regional sites would also enrich the contextual understanding of these important findings.

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