Fine tools for fine work. The form and function of ‘Small Craft Tools’ from Bronze Age Kaymakçı (Türkiye)

Abstract

Tools have always played an extremely important, defining role in human life. A closer look at Small Craft Tools (SCTs), such as drills, awls, punches, and small chisels, not only allows us an insight into the exact production techniques of artefacts but can also provide information on regional exchanges of goods and craft specializations in individual settlements. Nevertheless, these artefacts have been largely neglected in previous studies, and there seems to be no agreement among the few authors who have described such small bronze tools in more detail. The large number of middle and late Bronze Age SCTs found at Kaymakçı (Türkiye) was used as an opportunity to study their typology, characteristics, and use -wear. A total of 31 SCTs were found in only six years of excavation (2014–2021). In relation to the years of excavation, this is comparable to the number of SCTs found at Hattusa. This indicates the importance of Kaymakçı as a potential leather/textile production center. This study describes and characterizes the SCTs from Kaymakçı in detail. The authors are able to identify distinct differences between these tools and make suggestions for a more unified classification, underlining that such items are worthy of closer consideration in future studies.