Drescher Material Samples Study

[David]

Well, this seems like it might be pertinent to our studies. ;)

http://ificah-blog.com/material-samples/?fbclid=IwAR3Lx1_-FGTnlLXT0LJg4hk0KFspb04GoqNnI265koBbRRcDI9Yssfu3h8 c

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes David, I agree, Mr. Drescher did carry out some very interesting research and did demonstrate that deposits of iron to be found in Jawa were capable of being smelted and turned into usable iron.

However, I do not know of any archeological evidence that has yet been produced that iron was smelted in Jawa in olden times.

Why would it have been when it was much easier to grow rice and trade that rice for the products that Jawa did not produce?

This attitude persisted for 2000 years. Jawa has a very long history of trade, but to my knowledge, no history at all of iron smelting. Iron working, yes, in the same historic periods as the rest of Maritime South East Asia, and occurring in conjunction with bronze working.

[David]

Yes David, I agree, Mr. Drescher did carry out some very interesting research and did demonstrate that deposits of iron to be found in Jawa were capable of being smelted and turned into usable iron.

However, I do not know of any archeological evidence that has yet been produced that iron was smelted in Jawa in olden times.
Yes Alan, this was my understanding as well. Still felt that the research was pertinent to our studies and wanted to post it here for easy referencing. ;)

[A. G. Maisey]

Good idea.