An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s11.2

v1.c9.s11.2

The Copper Hoards include a large variety of tool types [19.2], such as flat celts, hatchets, shouldered celts, bar celts, rings, antennae swords, harpoons, lugged spearheads and anthropomorphic figures, each with several subtypes. Chemical analysis shows that by and large the tools were made of pure copper of up to 98% purity (Lal, 1951). Technological studies reveal that most of them were completely cast in single or double moulds or both, before being finished by hammering, chiselling, filing and tempering (Agrawal, 1971, p. 186). Experiments and ethnological parallels indicate they are likely to have been used in war and chase as well as in jungle clearance; agricultural implements are yet to be found. The utility of types like anthropomorphic figures is still uncertain; they may have been weapons or cult objects.