HMS Archaeometallurgy Datasheets

The HMS Archaeometallurgy Datasheets are aimed at archaeologists at all levels from project managers and curators to fieldworkers. These datasheets are intended to provide brief introductions to particular processes or topics, with the emphasis on the types of structural evidence, artefacts and residues likely to be encountered on excavations, with a short bibliography of useful publications.

The datasheets are grouped into three areas:

  1. Recovering, recording, understanding and managing archaeometallurgical resources
  2. Processes involved in producing and working metals
  3. Archaeological and other evidence for the development of specific metalworking processes

The datasheets were originally devised and produced in the 1990s; since the mid-2000s the Archaeology Committee has been in the process of updating and enlarging the series. Nearly thirty datasheets are planned and they will be uploaded as and when they become available. The old series is still available but individual datasheets will eventually be replaced. You can download them at the bottom of this page.

Download the new Datasheets

HMS Datasheet 101 The archaeology of metalworking sites: introduction to the field evidence
HMS Datasheet 102 Metalworking evidence and archaeological project management
HMS Datasheet 103 Geophysical techniques for metalworking sites
HMS Datasheet 104 Introduction to post-excavation and lab techniques for metalworking sites
HMS Datasheet 105 Textures, microstructures and metallography
HMS Datasheet 106 Chemical analysis of metalwork and metalworking debris
HMS Datasheet 107 X-radiography
HMS Datasheet 108 Care, curation and conservation of metallurgical samples
HMS Datasheet 201 Metals and their properties
HMS Datasheet 202 Copper: smelting and production of alloys
HMS Datasheet 203 Tin: smelting and production of alloys
HMS Datasheet 204 Other metals: smelting and production of alloys
HMS Datasheet 301 Iron: bloomery smelting and associated processes
HMS Datasheet 302 Steelmaking
HMS Datasheet 303 Iron: hand blacksmithing
HMS Datasheet 304 Foundries
HMS Datasheet 305 Supply, sourcing and production of fuels for metallurgical processes

Old Series Datasheets

HMS Datasheet 1 Crucibles and moulds
HMS Datasheet 2 Precious metal refining
HMS Datasheet 3 Iron working processes
HMS Datasheet 4 Geophysical techniques applied to early metalworking sites
HMS Datasheet 5 Bloomery iron smelting, slags and other residues
HMS Datasheet 6 Bloom refining and smithing, slags and other residues
HMS Datasheet 8 Currency Bars and other forms of trade iron
HMS Datasheet 9 Excavation and sampling
HMS Datasheet 10 Hammerscale
HMS Datasheet 11 Metallographic examination
HMS Datasheet 12 Chemical analysis of metalwork and metalworking debris
HMS Datasheet 14 X-radiography and archaeometallurgy
HMS Datasheet 15 The care and curation of metallurgical samples and other residues
HMS Datasheet 16 Metalworking evidence and the management of archaeological sites