[ApplegateRanch]

The researchers cut replicated hammered sheets by four different methods: grinding an embossed ridge, shearing with scissors, hammering against a sharp corner, and bending the sheet back and forth. Only the bent edge looked similar to the edge of the historical artifacts, indicating that the Cahokians most likely used that method to cut copper.

I am surprised they didn't try #5, etching/scoring the sheet with moderately deep cutting-line, using a sharp piece of (most likely) crystalline quartz, then bending. That gives a line of weakness, and makes it easier to bend without distortion of the sheet.

Also, pounding with stones doesn't sound like a very high quality finished sheet. hardwood (or less likely, heavy antler) mallets, with a hide facing, OTOH, takes longer, but gives a better finish.

Personally, I think my first "project" would be to make a copper hammer & anvil!

[Smokin' Joe]

Personally, I think my first "project" would be to make a copper hammer & anvil!

Same here.

I wonder how long it would take to figure out quenching heated copper would make it more resistant to bending (tempered) versus slow cooled copper (annealed). Even a stone chisel might have been on my list as well.

I must admit I often find it amusing when academics try to sort out tradecraft...