Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Nov. 10, 2004

By Eugenié Roger

Wilmington, N.C. — The University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Anthropology, Lamda Alpha and UNCW Anthropology Club are sponsoring a copper smelting and casting experiment conducted by Aaron Shugar from the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education. The public event will take place from 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 at the ceramic kiln area (north side) of Kenan Hall.

Shugar will try to replicate ancient copper smelting, providing insights into ancient metallurgical techniques. A clay furnace will be built to smelt copper ore and cast various objects. This process is going to help UNCW anthropology students get a better understanding of the importance of this prehistoric technology for pre-Columbian peoples.

Shugar will also be giving a lecture on his personal research at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11. in the Social and Behavioral Science Building, Room 210.