Copper processing in Vinča: New contributions to the thesis about metallurgical character of Vinča culture

Abstract

Abundant hand written documentation from excavations of Vinča (1908–1934) offers sufficient evidence that confirms the thesis established by investigator of Vinča M. M. Vasić himself that Vinča was metallurgical center. After comparing these data with the finds related to early copper processing on other sites of the central Balkans (Belovode, Pločnik, Gornja Tuzla, Fafos, Selevac) it could be assumed that Vinča culture was acquainted with metallurgy from its very outset. This assumption is supported by similar finds from other sides of the world (Tymna, Chinflon, Batán Grande) and even more so the results of experimental copper processing.

Keywords

• Vinča
• malachite
• copper metallurgy
• Neolithic
• central Balkans