Secrets Of The Drava: Bronze Age Metalwork In Continental Croatia

The article presents a group of Bronze Age artefacts recovered from the Drava river wetlands in continental Croatia, examining their typological and chronological markers, and assessing the technological characteristics of the material through spectrometric and use-wear analyses. We discuss the context of the finds, types of items retrieved and deposition locations, and how these fit into the patterns of European Bronze Age metal deposition practices. Compositional and metalwork use analyses indicate that most of the items were in use prior to their deposition and display solid metallurgical skill. Chronologically, typologically, compositionally, and conceptually, the items align with the depositional trends seen in the wider region and beyond.

Automated summary

The article presents Bronze Age artefacts recovered from the Drava river wetlands in continental Croatia, analyzing their typological and chronological markers, and assessing their technological characteristics. The finds, types of items, and deposition locations are discussed, along with their fit into the patterns of European Bronze Age metal deposition practices. Compositional and metalwork use analyses indicate that most items were in use prior to their deposition and display solid metallurgical skill. Chronologically, typologically, compositionally, and conceptually, the items align with wider regional and beyond depositional trends.