IAMS - Institute for Archaeo-Metallurgical Studies

 The international conference on the Beginnings of the Use of Metals and Alloys (BUMA) is the interdisciplinary gathering of scientists, engineers, archaeologists and historians in a focus on production and use of metals, with emphasis on cultural interactions and evolutions over time and space especially between the West and Asia.

This year's conference will be held in the ancient capital of Nara, Japan. The conference will be in English and all presentations will be in English. The main theme will be Cultural Interaction and the Use of Metals and will provide a forum for discussion on the effects of metals on the culture and history with a special focus on Asian materials. The organisers are particularly interested in comparitive and case studies from regions outside typical Asian study areas to clarify the relationships between East and West trough South Asia and Eurasia.

The Conference will be divided by themes and cover such topics as:

1. Iron and Steel Technology
2. Copper and Bronze Technology
3. Precious Metals and Coinage
4. Casting Technology of Bronze and Iron
5. Swords and Iron Artifacts
6. History of Alloys (Brass, Paktong and Shiromé)
7. Ores and Metal Production
8. Illustrated Technology of Mining and Metallurgy
9. Experimental Metallurgy, Survey Methods and Conservation

In order to maximize participation and increase interdisciplinary exchanges, organisers have expressed a desire to avoid parallel sessions and to provide a venue for poster sessions.

Abstracts should be submitted by the 1st of February 2013. Advance registration will last until May 31st 2013 after which costs will increase.

For more details, see the BUMA VIII conference website.