Measurements of artefacts analysed in: Geometric morphometric diversity of bronze axes from the Lusatian Urnfield culture hoard from Rosko (north Greater Poland)

The hoard from Rosko (site 47, Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, Czarnków Trzcianka district) contained at least 71 bronze artefacts, mainly socketed axes, and dates to HaB2 to HaB3. This study focuses on analysing the shape of the axes, evaluating their morphological differences, and assigning the artefacts to the currently accepted typological classification proposed by Kuśnierz. Absolute measurements and photographic documentation required for geometric morphometric method (GMM) analyses were obtained for 66 axes. A key objective of the study was to compare the outcomes of GMM analyses based on the landmark method (LM) and the outline method (OM). The results revealed intra typological differences among axes of the Czarków type, variant C, suggesting that the casts were probably produced using more than one mould. Variations in shape, manufacturing procedures, and use indicate that the axes cannot be attributed with certainty to a single casting mould. The measurements of the axeheads were taken using a digital calliper with an accuracy of 0.02 mm. The measurements were carried out in accordance with the scheme presented in the attached illustration. This research was conducted as a part of Agnieszka Pawlina’s undergraduate thesis under the same title, written under the supervision of Dr Agata Hałuszko, and defended at the Institute of Archaeology, UMCS in 2024. This study was included in the broader re-search funded by the National Science Centre, Poland, project: ‘A Biography of Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages Hoards. A Multi-Faceted Analysis of Metal Objects Related to Monu-mental Constructions in Poland’ (2021/41/B/HS3/00038).