ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ETHNOGRAPHIC INSIGHTS ON THE OCCURRENCE AND USE OF BONE ANVILS IN MALLORCA (BALEARIC ISLANDS, SPAIN)

Abstract

After most researchers have agreed to interpret the bone anvils as artefacts used by blacksmiths to cut teeth on metal sickles, present lines of enquiry are focused on drawing the geographic and chronological scope of these tools. Following this path, this paper presents the results of archaeological and ethnographic surveys carried out in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The new data recorded not only has enabled us to document the presence and temporal scope of the bone anvils on the island, but also, for the first time, the involvement of women in their use.