The application of chemical analysis and metallography to the study of Western Asiatic bronzes is illustrated by reference to a program of study at the British Museum into the composition and metalforming techniques on the hoard of 140 bronze bowls found in Ashurnasirpal's Northwest Palace at Nimrud of 9th Century BC. The handles, attachment bars, rivets, and bowl bodies have slightly different compositions, related to function, for the group of bowls with handles. An unusual inverse relationship was found between the lead and tin content of rivets, handles, and bowls; the relationship suggests production of these bowls in a single workshop. Two Assyrian type bowls contain ca. 6% zinc as well as tin. The method of shaping the bowls is described from the metallographic examination. -- AATA