Matthew S. Friedman, as a professor in the field of health, has traveled to over 38 countries around the world. For the past ten years, he has been living and working in South Asia as a technical health advisor. During this time, Friedman has spent years examining and studying all aspects of metal casting in the region. His initial book Nepalese Casted Vessels, Decanters and Bowls was one of the first to document the Lost Wax Method used in Nepal to cast household items. He is also the author of two other popular books, The Gorbba Urn and Tara: A Fleshtrade Odyssey.