ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how subdivision of material specialisation and the focus on craft objects specifically affects the understanding of Bronze Age society. The quality of craftsmanship of the axes is judged by reference to the standard of the time, and to their intended purpose. Several axes point towards a distinct lack of skill and these are interpreted to be the outcomes of amateur metalworkers. Traditional because changes in the technology occur slowly and the recipe for these axes remains stable over hundreds of years. The poor casting quality of axe 62, which goes against the typical behaviour of the material from which the axe is made; or axe 48 that is of both inferior mechanical and physical quality. The chapter concludes that the 'specialists model' is in need of a major revision because it is constructed largely on theoretical grounds and emphasises exceptional pieces, while neglecting the majority of ordinary objects and the variation in skill that was found.
