>I did not say that smelting was easy. It clearly is not easy to control.
.....
>Peter
Something also to remember - it that there is a big difference between
'doing something' and 'doing something well'.
It certainly appears that the 'basic' method of converting bog ore into
metal was knowledge spread relatively widely through Norse culture - as was
the simple mechanics of forging. That IS a bit different than expecting the
average farmer to be very sucessful at it!
Consider the evidence from L'Anse aux Meadows. We know that there was a
single firing of local ore into a small metal mass. The extremely primitive
set up of the fire used - and the poor results (indicated from the slag)
point to a group who 'more or less' knew how to go about the process - but
certainly did not seem skilled at it. (As would be expected, considering
the location.)
Peter's analogy to changing auto oil is a very good and current one (may
steal that example!). Think on the range of experience and skill we
personally would bring to such a task - and the range of results and effort
envolved between individuals.
Certainly there are wide differences in expertise both needed and exhibited
through the iron artifacts of the Viking Age. As a working smith, I know
well the difference between the simple and complex object, the theoretical
and the practical.
Darrell Markewitz
the Wareham Forge
(There may be some re-creation of the iron processing at LAM in the near
future!)
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