XI Seminario della Scuola di Dottorato in Archeologia. (SSDA 2024)

This article aims to present the data obtained from the study of metal artifacts from the ter- ramare sites (Middle Bronze Age 1 – Recent Bronze Age, 1650-1150 BCE) of Pragatto (BO), Santa Rosa di Poviglio (RE) and San Michele di Valestra (RE). The focus of this project is the study of metallurgical specialization through traceological analysis and the application of experimental archaeology protocols aimed at reconstructing the chaîne opératoire for the production and use of a selection of artefacts. The traceological study and the comparison with the experimentally produced traces will allow us to investigate the charac- teristics of metallurgical specialization and what types of traces are the result of different levels of experience, knowledge and ability; whether there are types of objects that require more advanced knowledge and whether instead some can also be produced by a less expert craftsman or by an apprentice.