Ban Chiang, Northeast Thailand, Volume 2B : Metals and Related Evidence from Ban Chiang, Ban Tong, Ban Phak Top, and Don Klang

The foundation of any archaeometallurgical study is study of excavated assemblages of metals and related remains. This volume presents in detail how the metals and such remains as crucibles excavated from four sites in northeast Thailand have been studied to understand the place of metal objects and technology in the ancient past of this region. In addition to typological examination, hundreds of technical analyses reveal the technological capabilities, preferences, and styles of metal artifact manufacturers in this part of Thailand. Detailed examination of contexts of recovery of metal remains employing a "life history" approach indicates that metal objects in those societies were used primarily in daily life and, only occasionally, as grave goods. The most surprising find is that casting of copper-base artifacts to final form took place at all these village sites during the metal age period, indicating a decentralized final production stage that may prove to be unusual for metal age societies. These insights are made possible by applying the methods and theories introduced in the first volume of the suite of volumes that study the metal remains from Ban Chiang in regional contest. Thai Archaeology Monograph Series, 2B; University Museum Monograph, 150

The foundation of archaeometallurgy is the study of excavated assemblages of metals and related remains. This volume presents in detail how the metals and such remains as crucibles excavated from four sites in northeast Thailand have been studied to understand the place of metal objects and technology in the ancient past of this region.

In addition to typological examination, hundreds of technical analyses reveal the technological capabilities, preferences, and styles of metal artifact manufacturers in this part of Thailand. Detailed examination of contexts of recovery of metal remains employing a "life history" approach indicates that metal objects in those societies were used primarily in daily life and, only occasionally, as grave goods. The most surprising find is that casting of copper-base artifacts to final form took place at all these village sites during the metal age period, indicating a decentralized final production stage that may prove to be unusual for metal age societies. These insights are made possible by applying the methods and theories introduced in the first volume of the suite of volumes that study the metal remains from Ban Chiang in regional contest.

Thai Archaeology Monograph Series, 2B
University Museum Monograph, 150

Contents List Of Figures List Of Tables Contributors 1. Introduction to the Analyses of Metals and Related Evidence from Ban Chiang, Ban Tong, Ban Phak Top, and Don Klang 2. Methods for Analysis of the Metal Artifacts 3. Classification of Metal Artifacts 4. Technical Analyses of Metal Artifacts: Results 5. Metal Product Manufacturing Evidence: Crucibles, Molds, and Slag 6. Depositional Contexts of Metals and Related Production Artifacts 7. Life History Perspectives on Metals and Related Finds Appendix A: Supplemental Data Tables Appendix B: Distribution Plans for Ban Chiang Non-burial Metal and Metal-related Artifacts by Site, Level, Square, and Quadrant Appendix C: Glossary References Index