| Abstract: |
This paper discusses the preliminary data of iron smelting site (SB2A) found in protohistorical site of Bujang Valley, Kedah. This site was dated to 3rd - 5th CE. The findings include metal artifacts, remains of furnaces, thousands of iron ores, tuyeres and slags. As the first iron smelting site ever discovered in Bujang Valley, this discovery had given a big impact that may be able to change the old paragdigm about the existence of a possible civilization in Malaysia. The discovery shows that from the 3rd CE, there had been a society that had already acquired the technology of iron smelting in Bujang Valley. The actual form of the structure, in terms of the shape of the furnace, is yet to be identified due to the insufficiency of the intact structure discovered during the excavation. The current research indicates that a large-scale iron-smelting industry existed in Bujang Valley from 3rd - 5th CE. This paper will also attempt to discuss the result of the preliminary analysis on the iron artefact, through the employment of some methods such as polishing section, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM).
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