Crucible of clay

A crucible is a small container in which metals are melted during metalworking. This example of baked clay was found at Banchory in Aberdeenshire. It was used sometime between 1150 and 750 BC.

Rudely finished crucible or heating dish, from Banchory

Early evidence of metalworking consists of crucibles, used by metalworkers to melt bronze, brass, lead, silver or gold, and moulds into which the molten metal was poured. A few tools such as anvils, hammers and chisels also survive, sometimes in hoards.

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