ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on understanding the circumstances in which the emergence of the complex metals industry took place. If it were the case that that the 'utilitarian' goods industry came first and that the complex metal castings followed, the author may suggest that the latter industry began as an offshoot of the primary 'utilitarian' industry. Whereas the initial industry involved the simpler techniques of open casting with more readily available material, the complex metals industry involved more advanced technology and the acquisition of exotic materials from great distances. This industry, therefore, represents the channeling of all sorts of resources into a fledgling prestige goods economy driven by social and political forces. Members of the emerging elite group, with wealth to invest in the production of luxury goods, may have succeeded in controlling the metals industry by appropriating the labor of certain highly skilled metalworkers, at the same time securing control of exotic resources.
