Chapter Twenty-One -
52Figure 21.10 Evolution of the La Tene chape design from constructional beginnings. Key: I,
2 -tube chapes with anchor ends; 3, 4 -initial experimental phase of composite chape con-
struction, with separate strainer bands from anchor tips to sheath sides; 5,6 - one-piece chapes
closely following the design developed in the composite construction phase; 7 -sword-chape
design derived from the above developments, as seen in Gaul, the progenitor of the chape
design as seen in Hungary, and in Ulster in the second century Be; 8 -shows another La Tene
I chape design similarly derived.
Finish and edge preparation were by grinding. Skilled butt-welding had been devel-
oped already in north-east France and Britain by the fifth century BC (Pleiner 1993:
138-9, 142-3; d. Jope 1961: nos. 20-22). This fine ironwork, often on a very small
scale, must imply great skill in controlling directed heating-jets.
Celtic ironsmiths most effectively exploited the fibrous surface quality of their
wrought iron for decorative purposes Gope 1987), and in fact iron was in early times
treated as a rather special material, used even for prestige items like anklets or neck-
rings Gope and Jacobsthal in press: pI. 310), and often for brooches, which were
evidently made by skilled rural smiths Gope and Jacobsthal in press: pIs. 32-4;
Musson 1972; Hull and Hawkes 1987: 159-60).
Tools, moreover, were during this time span overwhelmingly made of iron,
because of its potential hardness; this demand in itself led to the prodigious
development of ironworking skills. And good tools and skilled use gave pleasing
shapes, and could imply status. The development of saw blades from the sixth century
onwards must be considered, as the extensive use of planking and massive squared
beams for socially superior work already in the sixth century BC (pp. 388-9) would400