Techno-functional Study of the Personal Ornaments in Lignite of the Boira Fusca Cave (Cuorgnè, Torino-Italy)

Abstract

This paper aims to present a techno-functional study of lignite ornamental objects found during the Fedele excavations (1977-1980) in the Boira Fusca Cave (Cuorgnè, Salto-Turin, Italy). The site demonstrates a chrono-cultural sequence which extends from the late Palaeolithic to the Modern era. Particularly during the first phases of the Metal Ages (Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age- c. 3400-1600 BC) the cave was a burial site, similar to others in the Alpine area. The technological study of manufacturing methods, based on a wide experimental base, and conducted with the aid of digital microscopy is focused on drilling and shaping techniques. This method is a very valid approach to identify cultural peculiarities comparable with other contemporary contexts. The bead assemblage kept in the Museo Archeologico del Canavese (Cuorgnè, Turin) was analysed to see if it shows any technological and/or use wear indicators. Among the most remarkable aspects are the presence of beads of small dimension. Between the Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age, the beads with micro-perforations are quite numerous (normally on microlithic supports less than 3 mm in diameter), but there are no clear hypotheses on the techniques and instruments used during the drilling and manufacture activity.

Keywords

• ancient technology
• chalcolithic
• italy
• jewellery
• bronze age