Project title: Scientific and experimental archaeological investigation of a bronze casting site at Vester Doense, Himmerland, Denmark

Researcher: Helge Brinch Madsen et al., museum conservator, lecturer, Konservatorskole, Copenhagen, Denmark

E-mail: hbm(at)kons.dk

Year: 2003

Abstract:

During peat digging in a bog at Vester Doense in Himmerland in 1943 a large quantity of remains of two-sided casting moulds from the Late Bronze Age was found. Some of the moulds are of soapstone, others of clay. They were made in order to cast sickles and axes (celts) in bronze and could probably be used several times. With a starting point in a thorough scientific analysis of the moulds, casts will be made in soapstone and clay moulds. The aim of the experiment is to provide answers to questions relating to the function and usefulness of the moulds, for example whether soapstone moulds can be used several times.

Reference number: HAF 07/03