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THE KEYHOLE FOUNDRY<br />
3 5. Objects from the Keyhole<br />
Foundry: two pieces of pumice for<br />
polishing bronze, an iron<br />
suspension hook for lowering<br />
molds into the casting pit, an iron<br />
nail, a bone, a curled bronze wire<br />
for patching mistakes in the<br />
casting, a burnt horn, and a thin<br />
strip of lead for inlays.<br />
A bronze foundry ofthe 4th century B.c., located in the industrial region to<br />
the southwest of the Agora proper, provides evidence for some of the<br />
Agora’s lost public monuments. The pit is shaped like a keyhole, with steps<br />
at the narrow end leading down to the work area. From this large pit came<br />
hundreds of fragments of terracotta molds, as well as other equipment used<br />
in the casting and finishing of one or more life-size statues. Once mended,<br />
the clay molds from the Keyhole Foundry proved to have been used for<br />
casting draped or partially draped statuary in pieces. Whether these were<br />
standing or seated, male or female, cannot be ascertained.<br />
36. Keyhole-shaped bronze<br />
foundry, seen during exca-<br />
vation. 4th century B.C.
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