Although fragmentation is a distinctive feature of Late Bronze Age hoards, little research into scrapping has been carried out so far. The article reviews the most important aspects of fragmentation in Late Bronze Age hoards and discusses a number of characteristic conclusions which are drawn from the archaeological evidence. Recurring patterns in the archaeological record evidently reflect manifold facets of hoarding, both in economic as in religious terms. In contrast, patterns in the way of interpreting hoards rather seem to mirror preconceptions of what the Bronze Age world would have looked like. A less dogmatic approach in explaining fragmentation in Late Bronze Age hoards is suggested.
