Which metals and materials did Early Bronze Age Anatolian craftspeople use?

Early Bronze Age Anatolian craftspeople utilized a wide variety of metals and materials, demonstrating advanced metallurgical skills and extensive trade networks.

Metals

Anatolian metalsmiths worked with several metals, many of which were native to the region. These included:
* Copper and Bronze: While copper was the predominant metal in the early stages, the use of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) became increasingly significant, though tin may have been imported.1
* Precious Metals: Gold, silver, and electrum were frequently used for jewelry, ornaments, and luxury goods.21
* Iron: Although rare and significantly more valuable than gold during this period, iron was occasionally used, such as for the blade of a dagger found at Alaca Hüyük.21
* Lead: Also utilized by craftspeople.1

Other Materials

In addition to metalwork, craftspeople incorporated various natural and imported materials into their creations:
* Semiprecious Stones: Native stones included carnelian, jasper, nephrite, obsidian, and rock crystal.21
* Other Materials: Meerschaum was used for ornaments, while materials such as ivory, amber, and lapis lazuli were imported.21

These materials were shaped using sophisticated techniques, including casting by the lost-wax process, hammering, repoussé, granulation, filigree, and cloisonné inlay.21