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Bronze
is well-represented in the Museum and the collection, which comprises
up to 3,199 pieces, is absolutely spectacular.
The Bronze Age in Indonesia is estimated
as having begun around the 1st century BC, and it drastically changed
man's way of life both practically and culturally. Bronze is a mixture
of copper and tin, and as it has a low melting point, objects were
either produced by forging (heating then beating the bronze) or
by wax-casting techniques. Bronze axes, ceremonial items and jewellery
were the most popular items made.
With the onset of the Classical Age
production and casting processes improved, and techniques such as
soldering were introduced. Bronze items became more varied, ranging
from statues of Buddha for worship to domestic appliances, and their
decoration more ornate. Bronze was also used to replace materials
that were easily damaged, so the shape of domestic appliances, for
example, did not radically change - a water jar would look the same
in bronze as it did in terracotta.
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