L’armement à l’âge du Bronze final en Europe tempérée (XVIe–IXe siècles av. J.–C.) : éléments dispersés d’une 'panoplie de guerrier'?

Studying Bronze Age weaponry shapes and ornamentation reveals a standardisation of production according to traditions varying according to the regions and periods considered. The homogeneity of these objects in a given region indicates the users’ affiliation with a community sharing common norms and objects with the same visual identity, not necessarily limited to weaponry. The standardised shapes and ornaments of the weapons is a cultural indicator: some users do not hesitate to customise imported goods to adapt them to local traditions, thus revealing the existence of exchange networks in which bronze weapon producers and users are involved. The traditions can nevertheless leave room for an aspect of variability and individualisation. It is indeed exceptional to find two perfectly identical weapons. This article aims at studying the individualisation and normalisation processes of the Bronze Age warrior’s equipment. They are the origin of the panoply idea, meaning the idea of an association of weapons dedicated to be used together by the same person. We will here take two examples: the evolution of Bronze Age solid – hilted swords in Central Europe from the 16th to the 9th century BC and the decoration of Bronze Age metal sheet defensive weapons in the same region. We will finally put the Bronze Age “warrior’s panoplies” in perspective, which are presented in several publications and depicted at many occasions although this only very partially fits the reality as observed through the archaeological contexts