The Gundestrup cauldron identification of tool traces
Abstract
The silver cauldron from Gundestrup Mose, a bog in northern Jutland, Denmark, is a unique piece of chased silver work, probably from the time around the birth of Christ. The decorations on the richly decorated cauldron have been embossed in very high relief and tooled to finish with a variety of punches. This paper is based on the identification and documentation of imprints of pattern punches occurring on the surface of the Gundestrup Cauldron. Silicone rubber impressions of tool marks on the vessel's surface have been the basis of the study. By identifying and comparing the individual tool marks, we can in certain instances verify or invalidate a stylistic/iconographic evaluation. Perhaps one day we shall finally be able to establish the provenance of the cauldron by comparing its tool marks with those of tools represented on other objects.
