POINTED OBJECTS OF THE MIERZANOWICE CULTURE (EARLY BRONZE AGE). A STUDY OF FUNCTION BY USE-WEAR ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper presents a small assemblage of pointed objects associated with the Early Bronze Age Mierzanowice culture of south-eastern Poland. The artefacts originate from the multicultural cemetery of Kichary Nowe and were found in male and female graves. They have been traditionally referred to as pins or needles. To establish their function, use-wear methodology was employed. Based on differing microwear patterns, it was inferred that artefacts with wide and flat perforated heads are in fact implements used for working fibrous materials (e.g. textile production or basket making), hence the strong striations visible on the surface. On the other hand, objects such as the ornamented pin with an L-perforated head, functioned as elements of clothing, used to fasten outer garments. Both categories were personal objects of everyday use, closely connected to their owners. Based on limited contextual data, it can be further inferred that ornamented pins were part of the costume of prominent adult members of the Mierzanowice culture society. Thanks to the applied functional approach, it was possible to go beyond classic typology and suggest new ways of thinking about this broad category of artefacts.