Carp's Tongue complex facts for kids
The Carp's Tongue complex is a unique style of metalworking from the late Bronze Age in southeastern England. It was part of a time called the Ewart Park Phase, which happened around 900 BC. This period saw people creating many interesting metal items, some of which are still a mystery to us today!
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What is the Carp's Tongue Complex?
The Carp's Tongue complex describes a specific way people made metal items during the late Bronze Age. It's called a "complex" because it involves many different types of objects and techniques. These items were often found in groups, called hoards, which were like hidden treasures of metal tools and weapons.
Where Were These Objects Found?
Most of these special metal items were discovered in the Thames valley and Kent in southeastern England. But similar objects have also been found in Ireland and France. This suggests that people shared ideas and traded goods across these regions a long time ago.
What Kinds of Objects Were Made?
The Carp's Tongue complex is named after a very distinct type of carp's tongue sword. This sword has a blade that looks a bit like a fish's tongue! But many other items were part of this complex too. These include:
- Triangular knives with holes
- Hog's back knives (which have a curved back like a pig)
- Different kinds of axes, like socketed and end-winged axes
- Mysterious bugle-shaped objects, whose purpose archaeologists are still trying to figure out!
Experimenting with Metals
During this time, metalworkers were very creative. They experimented with mixing lead with bronze to create new types of objects. This was a new idea, and it helped them make different shapes and designs. Some of these new items were so unusual that we don't know exactly what they were used for!
Why So Much Experimentation?
It's a bit of a puzzle why there was so much new metalworking happening with bronze. Especially since iron was starting to become the main metal people used. Archaeologists have a few ideas:
- Some, like Colin Burgess, think these new techniques were like an early "industrial revolution." This means people found new, faster ways to make things.
- Others believe there might have been too much bronze available. So, metalworkers had to find new ways to use it all up!
No matter the reason, the Carp's Tongue complex shows us how clever and inventive people were in the Bronze Age. They were always trying new things with the materials they had.
