The development of copper alloy metallurgy in Thailand in the pre-Buddhist period, with special reference to high-tin bronzes
This thesis contains the results of a project designed to investigate the development of copper alloy metallurgy in Thailand from the earliest times down to the beginning of the historical period. Excavated material was obtained from a number of archaeological sites in Thailand, in particular Non Nok Ta, Ban Don Ta Phet and Ban Na Di. Most of this material is well provenanced and can be dated with reasonable accuracy. Chemical analysis of 276 artifacts was carried out using Atomic Absorption or Induction Coupled Plasma spectroscopy, with phase analysis being carried out using the electron microprobe. In addition, a large proportion of the objects (127) was sectioned and examined using the techniques of optical metallography. From the information that was obtained, it has been possible to build up a picture of the technology of different classes of artifacts, the particular alloy used for each, and regional and chronological variations. In addition, a considerable amount has been learned of the class of alloy known as ÎČ-tin bronzes, which appear to have been used first in Thailand and to a limited extent in other Asian countries up to the medieval period. Information of fundamental interest regarding these
Rajpitak, Warangkhana
Archaeology
The development of copper alloy metallurgy in Thailand in the pre-Buddhist period, with special reference to high-tin bronzes. This thesis contains the results of a project designed to investigate the development of copper alloy metallurgy in Thailand from the earliest times down to the beginning of the historical period. Excavated material was obtained from a number of archaeological sites in Thailand, in particular Non Nok Ta, Ban Don Ta Phet and Ban Na Di. Most of this material is well provenanced and can be dated with reasonable accuracy. Chemical analysis of 276 artifacts was carried out using Atomic Absorption or Induction Coupled Plasma spectroscopy, with phase analysis being carried out using the electron microprobe. In addition, a large proportion of the objects (127) was sectioned and examined using the techniques of optical metallography. From the information that was obtained, it has been possible to build up a picture of the technology of different classes of artifacts, the particular alloy used for each, and regional and chronological variations. In addition, a considerable amount has been learned of the class of alloy known as ÎČ-tin bronzes, which appear to have been used first in Thailand and to a limited extent in other Asian countries up to the medieval period. Information of fundamental interest regarding these
development copper_alloy metallurgy thailand pre buddhist period special_reference high tin bronze contains project design_investigate development copper_alloy metallurgy thailand early time begin historical_period excavated material obtain number archaeological_site thailand particular non ban ban material well provenanced date reasonable accuracy chemical_analysis artifact carry use atomic absorption induction coupled plasma spectroscopy phase analysis_carry use electron microprobe addition large_proportion object section examine use technique optical metallography information_obtain possible build_picture technology different class artifact particular alloy use regional_chronological variation addition considerable_amount learn class alloy know tin bronze appear use first thailand limit extent asian country medieval_period information fundamental interest regard