Native Evidence of Non-ferrous Metalworking in Early Historic Ireland

The Early Historic Period in Ireland (fifth to twelfth century AD) has always been a popular subject of study in Irish archaeology, its art and ornate bronze, silver and gold objects perhaps being the two most celebrated aspects. While these objects are celebrated for their technical excellence, little consideration has been given to their site production and the resulting archaeological record. A study of such evidence is undertaken here, exploring the artefactual and site evidence of non-ferrous metalworking in Early Historic Ireland. At a local level, an examination of physical remains may reveal the nature of a site and its internal organisation. Regionally, a study of site evidence may reflect the existence, or not, of a broader infrastructure or 'industry'. Such an examination can also provide information on the economy and status of those communities and settlements associated with fine metalworking.