Overview
This lecture explains Bronze Age metalworking in Ireland, focusing on objects like gold discs, lunulae, torcs, dress fasteners, and gorgets, along with their techniques and cultural significance.
Development of Metalworking in Ireland
- Metalworking arrived in Ireland around 2000 BC during the Bronze Age.
- Bronze, a mix of copper and tin, replaced soft copper due to its strength.
- Bronze was mainly used for tools and weaponry, while gold was used for decorative items and jewellery.
- Gold was abundant and accessible in Ireland during this period.
Gold Discs (Sun Discs)
- Gold discs are among the oldest metal objects in Ireland, dating to Early Bronze Age (2200–2000 BC).
- Made by hammering gold into thin sheets and cutting out discs.
- Decorated using repouss (hammered designs from the back), creating raised patterns like crosses and concentric circles.
- Discs have two central holes for threading gold wire, likely worn in hair or on clothing.
- The Tedavnet pair are the largest and most elaborately decorated examples.
Lunulae
- Lunulae are crescent-shaped gold ornaments worn around the neck.
- Made by hammering and cutting gold sheets into shape.
- Decorated by incision (cutting designs such as chevrons and lozenges with a sharp tool).
- Among the earliest Irish gold objects, dating to the Early Bronze Age.
Torcs
- Torcs are twisted gold bands worn as necklaces, armlets, belts, or earrings.
- They emerged in the Middle Bronze Age and used more gold than earlier items.
- Flange twisting (beating and twisting edges) created delicate patterns.
- Example: Ribbon torcs, with thin beaten edges for a ribbon-like look; Tara torcs are notable for size and craftsmanship.
Dress Fasteners
- Made during the Middle Bronze Age, these gold objects fastened clothing.
- Some are large and heavy, likely ceremonial, and decorated with engraved concentric circles.
Gorgets
- Gorgets are elaborate gold collars from the Late Bronze Age (800–700 BC).
- Composed of a decorated collar and two terminal discs.
- Collar features rope designs via repouss; terminal discs have raised conical bosses and engraved concentric circles.
- Showcases advanced goldsmithing and decorative skill.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Bronze — alloy of copper and tin, stronger than copper alone.
- Repouss — technique of hammering a design from the back to create raised patterns.
- Incision — cutting or engraving designs on a surface with a sharp tool.
- Torcs — twisted gold bands used as jewellery.
- Lunula — crescent-shaped gold neck ornament.
- Gorget — gold collar with decorated discs, worn around the neck.
- Boss — a raised, often conical, decorative feature.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review images of Bronze Age objects and note their decorative techniques.
- Prepare to identify and describe the function of each artefact type for exams.