BOTH SIDES NOW: THE CARP'S-TONGUE COMPLEX REVISITED

Abstract

Engaging with both typological and contextual approaches, this paper endeavours to take a fresh look at one of the most emblematic groups of Atlantic Late Bronze Age metalwork depositions. Taking a revised typo-chronology for carp's-tongue swords as a starting point, we compare single-piece deposition of these items with their occurrence in hoards of mixed composition. Clear regional trends emerge as a result. We also contrast the composition of carp's-tongue hoards on both sides of the English Channel, highlighting the impact that poorly defined key types can have on our perception of an entire complex of metalwork assemblages. Overall, the composition of carp's-tongue hoards proves rather uniform across this geographical divide. Some noteworthy differences, however, can be discerned between British and French assemblages.