Bell Beaker Copper Use in Central Europe: A Distinctive Tradition?

Based on a dataset of trace element compositions of copper finds from central Europe dating between 4500 and 2000 BC, this research aims to indicate whether the metallurgy of the Eastern Bell Beaker group indicates a specific knowledge that distinguishes the metal work of this community from other archaeological groups. It also aims to explain the motivation underlying the use of chronologically and chorologically varying types of copper during this period, asking whether the selection of copper types was based on a knowledge of their specific material.