Cold Hammered Archaeology: An Experimental Archaeometallurgical Approach to Native Copper Working in the Lake Superior Basin

Abstract

Abstract Experimental archaeometallurgy has allowed for the reconstruction of past metal-production processes by utilizing local and regional materials and tools that had been available to Indigenous people. The re-creation of these past production processes allows for the creation of comparative collections that can be used to help interpret the archaeological record. In this article, I examine the by-product created in the production of native copper tools and ornamentation in North America's native copper industry. Native copper is 99% pure metallic copper that was worked through a process called “cold hammering” and annealing that allowed for the manipulation of metallurgical material without the aid of melting or smelting. Cold hammering instead works the copper at or near room temperature, with periodic annealing to recrystallize the metallurgical structure. Throughout this process, waste materials are generated. My goal is to create a preliminary classification of copper waste produced during the production process as a reference for comparison of small dubious copper artifacts found on archaeological sites. This classification system aims to provide the framework for researchers to better understand copper production evidence found on archaeological sites. By understanding what copper waste looks like, researchers will be positioned to more accurately identify evidence of purposeful copper production versus evidence of the corrosion of larger copper pieces.