Reconstructing Past Craft Networks: A Case Study using 3D scans of Late Bronze Age Swords to reconstruct Specialized Craft Networks

Abstract

As the collection of 3d data proliferates in the archaeological community, new methods integrating analysis of those data must also be developed. This dissertation project approaches the problem of observing social networks by examining decisions made by specialized craft workers: specifically, Late Bronze Age smiths (~1200-800BC). The data examined include shape data collected from 3D scans of bronze swords. These data were used to group the blades using cluster analysis based on different aspects of the swords including blade profile, hilt profile, and various decorative shape data. Those clusters create links between the swords which were then used to examine the network of bronze smiths. This project is a case study of how one might go about studying the way individuals with specialized knowledge were connected in the past by studying the results of that knowledge expressed through tangible differences between artifacts.