The beginnings of metallurgy, starting from the melting of lead from around 9000 to 7000 BC, are reviewed. Egyptian sculptures, of lead, found in the British Museum and dating from 3800 BC, are illustrated as examples of early specimens. The beginnings of castings in open forms and of mass production of artistic castings in 2000 BC are examined. Techniques of wax melting and of hollow parts casting are traced. The paper conflnes its attention to art castings anddiscusses the later developments in Greece, Lebanon, and other countries. Castings of early bronze and iron figures are included. -- AATA