Quanyu Wang, scientist, British Museum I am a scientist
specialising in metalworking technology, particularly in
relation to non-precious metals such as iron and copper-alloys.
The scientific examination and analysis of the Chiseldon Iron-
Age cauldrons is a key aspect of the investigative process as a
whole and is crucial in supporting our understanding of them.
For the Chiseldon cauldrons I have been examining the
microstructure of the metal under very high magnification in
order to see its composition, deduce how it was worked and
explore manufacturing techniques. Some of the questions I will
be trying to answer include: ‘How were the cauldrons made?’,
‘Were different components from an individual vessel made in the
same workshop?’, ‘Were the same parts, such as the iron handles
for different vessels, made from the same metal stocks’ and,
perhaps the most important question of all; ‘Were the cauldrons
made especially for burial or collected together for a
particular occasion?’ Finding appropriate samples to