Fantasy tropes: fear of cold iron. A prejudice from Africa?

Emanuel · 22nd September 2010, 04:41 PM

Here's a tidbit from "Aspects of the Use of Copper in Pre-Colonial West Africa"
Eugenia W. Herbert, The Journal of African History, Vol. 14, No. 2. (1973), pp. 179-194

"...the Tuareg and Moors consider iron an impure metal, and neutralize it by encrusting copper and brass on [tools]."

Among the Touareg, blacksmiths form a separate cast with their own language. We've discussed some of this here. Still no concrete understanding why iron is perceived this way, but likely it is due to its transmutation from ore to metal and its propensity to rust. The smelting process itself is also quite dirty.
Also interesting is the use of copper as a magical ward, also discussed in the above thread.

With the Maasai it's somewhat different. IIRC, there is a religious component associated with iron working and a specific deity. Blacksmith huts are seen as hallow ground and are to be kept neutral and as sanctuaries during conflict.

Emanuel

22nd September 2010, 04:41 PM	#5
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Here's a tidbit from "Aspects of the Use of Copper in Pre-Colonial West Africa" Eugenia W. Herbert, The Journal of African History, Vol. 14, No. 2. (1973), pp. 179-194 "...the Tuareg and Moors consider iron an impure metal, and neutralize it by encrusting copper and brass on [tools]." Among the Touareg, blacksmiths form a separate cast with their own language. We've discussed some of this here. Still no concrete understanding why iron is perceived this way, but likely it is due to its transmutation from ore to metal and its propensity to rust. The smelting process itself is also quite dirty. Also interesting is the use of copper as a magical ward, also discussed in the above thread. With the Maasai it's somewhat different. IIRC, there is a religious component associated with iron working and a specific deity. Blacksmith huts are seen as hallow ground and are to be kept neutral and as sanctuaries during conflict. Emanuel