What do we know about blacksmithing techniques in Africa ?

katana · 4th August 2006, 01:28 PM

I've been trying to obtain information about the techniques of blade/sword smithing in Africa....but have discovered little. Limited resources in some areas, such as fuel for the forge, suggests that perhaps shortcuts were taken in the forging process. Spring states that the African blacksmiths had a very good knowledge of metalwork and forging. I found these black and white photos which are of interest.
The cultural customs and beliefs that surround African blacksmiths are also very interesting....many were segregated from the main tribes as 'unclean' and often feared for the 'powers' they possess.

Has anyone any information they would like to add ...or any book references they know about..........thankyou

4th August 2006, 01:28 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	What do we know about blacksmithing techniques in Africa ? I've been trying to obtain information about the techniques of blade/sword smithing in Africa....but have discovered little. Limited resources in some areas, such as fuel for the forge, suggests that perhaps shortcuts were taken in the forging process. Spring states that the African blacksmiths had a very good knowledge of metalwork and forging. I found these black and white photos which are of interest. The cultural customs and beliefs that surround African blacksmiths are also very interesting....many were segregated from the main tribes as 'unclean' and often feared for the 'powers' they possess. Has anyone any information they would like to add ...or any book references they know about..........thankyou Attached Images