Among the so-called "mushroom knob joint" of the Anatolian early bronze age-Ceremonial unit between Halysbogen and Cubans

Abstract

The following contribution focuses upon a group of metal objects of idiosyncratic form, which are known from the Early Bronze Age in Anatolia (3rd millennium BC). These so-called Pilzknaufkeulen or maces with knobbed heads possess a tubular or spherical body which has several rotund or rounded-conical protuberances. Also found in miniature form on jewellery and ceremonial items, the objects likely had a primarily representative or aggrandising function for the bearer, but without were not used as a striking weapon in battle. A glance at pertinent archaeological inventories from the Caucasus shows that earlier forerunners made of stone were as common as later metal Buckelkeule or knobbed maces made of metal. This observation serves as the basis for the renewed discussion of Eurasian and Anatolian interactions during the 4th to 2nd millennia BC.