The earliest metallurgy in the northeast Iberian Peninsula? New analysis of a gold bead from Tossal Gros cave (Torroella de Montgrí, Girona)

The find of a gold biconvex bead from Tossal Gros burial cave (Torroella de Montgrí, Girona) represents the first example of this type known in the Iberian Peninsula. These beads are common in the south of France and are dated to the Late Neolithic. With the aim of establishing their production process, we applied SEM-EDS, radiology and use-wear analysis. The results show the high technological complexity of the bead, which is unparalleled in prehistoric Iberia. The radiocarbon dating of the site by three AMS dates and associated materials confirm a date to the end of 4 ^th - beginning of 3 ^rd millennia cal BC. Comparisons with the available data concerning the earliest Northeast Iberian metallurgy allows an assessment of the possible origin, use and social value of this particular golden bead.