Part of the Experimental Archaeology: Learning about Technologies in the Past project, funded by Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In our June Experimental Archaeology workshop Neil Burridge, a metalsmith from Cornwall, provided a fascinating insight into Bronze working techniques and the role of a smith through the ages.

We asked Neil to try and cast a replica of the bronze sunflower pin recently found near Dores.After casting a pin, Neil then made a tool – a socketed gouge. An example was found in the Baile-a-chladaich hoard, as well as in the Wester Ord hoard near Invergordon. But as evaluations showed, the main attraction for many of the audience was the casting of a bronze sword.

Neil believes the weapons and tools clearly had practical uses. He noted that axes often show hardening and sharpening on their edge (as is the case from the Dores axeheads – and to demonstrate he took an early Bronze Age flat axe replica, bound it to a wooden haft, and showed how it could cut wood.

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