Many artifacts have been made using metals as raw material since olden days, not only because they are more durable but because they have other facilitating features not found in products made from plant materials. Compared to other handicrafts, artisans resort more to technology in making metalware. Consequently, the stages of technological progress illustrate the development of metalware.
The oldest artifacts found in Thailand are bronze and were discovered in 1956 at Baan Nadeenonokea, Tambon Baan Koke, Pooviang District in Khon Kaen Province. They are about 5,000 years old; the oldest archeological evidence found in this part of the world. Those prehistoric articles found at Baan Chiang, Nongharn District in Udon Thani Province such as knives, axes, spears, fish hooks, metal weapon moulds, iron tools and bronze bracelets are of a later period.
Those wares discovered in many caves along Kwaenoi and Wangpo in Kanchanaburi Province come next, dating about three thousand years ago, belonging to the Bronze Age. They include weapons, cooking utensils, ornaments like rings, bracelets, and various objects used in ceremonies related to supernatural beliefs like drums for soul calling and sending. These are now treasured as valuable specimens of ancient works of art as well as important archaeological evidence of Thai early history.
Classified according to the type of metal used, Thai metalware falls into seven groups:
1. Ironware
2. Bronzeware
3. Brassware
4. Goldware
5. Silverware including nielloware
6. Pewterware
7. Aluminumware
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