Ban Chiang, Northeast Thailand, Volume 2B

Metals and Related Evidence from Ban Chiang, Ban Tong, Ban Phak Top, and Don Klang

Edited by Elizabeth G Hamilton Edited by Joyce C White

Book cover: Ban Chiang, Northeast Thailand, Volume 2B

Extent: 296 pages

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Museum

Subjects: Asian/Pacific Studies & Religions

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(March 2019)

ISBN: 9781931707787

8.46 x 10.98 inches

Price: $79.95

In stock

PDF (Published)

(January 2019)

ISBN: 9781931707923

Price: $79.95

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.

  • Edited by Elizabeth G Hamilton
  • Edited by Joyce C White