Crucible, tuyeres, and furnace fragments from the Bronze Age metalworking site at Timna, Israel, have been studied using atomic absorption spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy in order to characterize the fabrics used and estimate the temperatures attained during the metalworking processes. For each artifact, the chemical composition of the clay has been determined and the nature and quantity of non-plastic inclusions have been established. By examining the artifacts with the scanning electron microscope both in the as-received state and after refiring at known temperatures, their firing properties have been defined in terms of the development of vitrification and the temperature at which the clay finally melted. On the basis of these results, it has also been possible to estimate the temperature gradients produced in the crucibles, tuyeres, and furnace fragments when being used for the metalworking processes; and hence to obtain information on the way in which they were used or on the length of time for which the high temperatures (1100-1150°C) were maintained. -- AATA