This article discusses the archaeological findings at the Cachouça site in Portugal, which was discovered during field surveys in 1990. The site, located in Idanha-a-Nova, Castelo Branco, has been subject to various excavations revealing two distinct phases possibly linked to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age transition.
The collection of 21 copper-based artefacts found at the site includes unique features such as a rotary spit and a zoomorphic figurine, indicating a regional significance. The artefacts reflect a binary metallurgy of copper and tin, typical of the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age in the region, serving the needs of local communities.
Chemical analysis of the artefacts was conducted using XRF spectroscopy to determine the composition of the metal. The study aimed to standardise the data by adopting a uniform experimental procedure for all objects. Despite the fragmented and incomplete nature of the artefacts, they reveal a mix of simple and sophisticated metalworking techniques, suggesting a transition from the Late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age.
The site’s strategic location near the confluence of the rivers Torto and Ponsul provides both visual control and defensive advantages. The study sheds light on the technological advancements and metallurgical practices of the region during the early 1st millennium BC.
Overall, the artefacts from the Cachouça site contribute to understanding the metalworking traditions and cultural developments in Central Portugal during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age transition.
