This paper focuses on the results of five years archaeometallurgical research and survey in Mae Tho, Amphoe Hot, Chiangmai Province, Northern of Thailand. The survey and excavations indicate that the archaeological sites in the region can be classified into four groups; 1. ancient iron-smelting, 2. iron mining locales, 3. spiritual and ceremonial centres and 4. burials. The archaeological excavations at Mae Tho demonstrate that iron-smelting was undertaken within our close to established settlements during the 17th Century, contemporary with the Burmese Rule of Chiang Mai Province. The process of iron-smelting used magnetite mined from an open pit in the Ban Mae Tho mountainous area. Ethnographic studies show that, although the Lawa Ethnic Group in Ban Bho Luang which were domiciled in Ban Mae Tho, stopped smelting iron with the increased popularity with imported modern industrial steel, there is still a strong cultural relationship between the iron production and the community. Community members still perform a triennial ritual of making offerings to the spirits of Bho Lek that has been performed continuously for hundreds of years.