The description of materials and techniques found in archaeological publications is much neglected compared to the treatment of stylistic features. But an analysis of metals, it has been shown, provides the archaeologist with much information that he can use to better define the place and date of manufacture. With copper alloys, for instance, the term bronze covers about 30 different types of alloys; they are classified to illustrate that in a certain region and at a certain time particular types of alloys are used. -- AATA