THE ART OF THE AFRICAN BLACKSMITH -
- Variety and virtuosity are two of the outstanding features of African metalwork. Variety is clearly evident in the kinds of metals forged, in the techniques employed by traditional metal workers and in the types of objects created. (Quoted from ‘The Art of Metal in Africa 1983’). In Tom Joyce’s wonderful book ‘Striking Iron - The Art of the African Blacksmith’ Tom explains about the importance of the blacksmiths bellows (centre object in the photo) ….’the bellows provide a sophisticated air-delivery system devised to introduce bursts of oxygen into a blacksmith’s fire’. Centuries before the rest of the world perfected this technique African blacksmith’s were producing a variety of sophisticated metal objects both functional and as highly valued prestige items. They were traded and cherished, used as adornment and/or placed on family shrines, such was their importance.
