Although the copper axes with central shaft-hole from south-eastern
Europe have a long history of research, they have not been studied on a
transnational basis since the 1960s. What has also been missing, is
trying to use as many methods as possible to better understand their
production, use and context. A database was compiled to find answers to
questions regarding patterns of distribution, context, fragmentation and
deformation. Aspects of production were considered through experimental
archaeology, metallographic analysis and a re-discovered axe blank with
missing shaft-hole. The typology was re-evaluated and modified to ensure
comparability across modern national boundaries. The integration of
these approaches yielded some interesting results. The great variability
in shape clearly shows that a variety of production techniques were
used, but it is difficult to relate these to specific geographic areas.
In fact the typology as well as the practice of marking the axes
indicate that traditional archaeological 'cultures' rarely correspond to
axe types and marking practices. Instead there were different spheres of
influence, some more localised and others much larger than specific
ceramic traditions. These different levels of belonging show that it was
a period of complex cultural patterns and interactions. The axes were
part of these networks of daily life on many different levels from the
utilitarian to the ritualised placement in burial contexts.
