Neolithic Copper Artefacts from the Canton of Lucerne (Central Switzerland)

Abstract

Neolithic copper artefacts are known from the central Swiss canton of Lucerne. The area belongs to the western fringe of the middle Neolithic distribution of copper casting technology. Two axes were found in culture layers and can be assigned to the classical Cortaillod Culture. The remaining pieces are without archaeological context, but presumably belong to the same culture. Particularly noteworthy is an axe which probably dates back to around 4000 BC. Thus the axe would be somewhat earlier than the middle Neolithic copper horizon that is associated with the expansion of the Pfyn Culture at approx. 3800 BC. A dagger with rivet holes, and a supposed fragment of another dagger, are so far unique for the Swiss middle Neolithic. Comparable finds are known from neighbouring southwest Germany, however, as is the case for an assumed pendant made of copper sheet. The axes are all made of copper with a rather high content of arsenic, whereas all other artefacts are made of arsenic-free raw material.