Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Matthew L. Chastain is an archaeologist and a materials engineer. His research focuses primarily on the metal and ceramic traditions of ancient China. In this work, he reconstructs past technologies by studying artifacts in the lab using microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques, and by employing experimental archaeology. Current projects investigate (a) production methods and organization in Shang- and Zhou-period bronze casting and (b) regional ceramic traditions in areas outside the North China Plain, including Sichuan, the Lower Yangzi River, and Taiwan.