Cross-crafting in standardized and customized metallurgy. Some examples from Bronze Age Poland

The evidence of early bronze metallurgy in present-day Poland dates back to the 18th century BCE. From its inception, this production was entirely based on cross-craft networks. Producing refractory ceramics, using wax or clay models, and casting in clay, stone, or metal moulds required knowledge beyond particular raw materials. Moreover, the dynamic development of metallurgical skills soon led to two essential production traits. The first is standardization and efficiency in casting as many similar objects as possible. Collections of nearly identical artefacts are well known in the Bronze Age contexts (2300–800 BCE). They may reflect the dynamic activity of local production centres that used clay or metal models to make mould production efficient. The second production mode represents custom-made tools for left-handed users or objects designed for various hand sizes. Studies of different techniques in manufacturing standard and custom-made objects show that Bronze Age craftspeople practiced cross-crafting in both approaches, proving their skills and versatility.