Identification of traces of use on the Celts of the Bronze and Early Iron age from Siberia

This study identified the traces of operation and functional purpose of celts used by the carriers of the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age cultures. A series of Bronze and Early Iron Age celts found in Siberia were analyzed. In the context of celt’s morphology, there are three zones where wear marks are most conspicuous: socket, body, and blade. Thus, traces of metal deformation from contact with the handle may appear on the socket provided that handle fits the mouth of the socket tightly. As a rule, the metal is crumpled evenly over the entire socket mouth if the striking part was used as an axe, or on the handle side if the tool was used as adze. Handles with inserted bushing do not leave visible marks. The body of the celt also undergoes modification: metal gets bent, deformed, or “torn.” The wear of celt ’s blade is the most indicative since it acquires a distinct shape in the process of work. If blows were distributed over the entire area of the blade as it is the case with adzes, such blade would have a “crescent” shape. If blows fall on a part of the edge, only a part of the blade becomes worn and the so-called “heel” is formed. Traces of forging or sharpening are visible more rarely due to patination.