>There would clearly be a huge difference between the seemingly widespread
>smelting of iron for domestic goods and the production of the "magic swords"
>of legendary fame. ......
>It could have been a bit like prehistoric DIY. Some jobs you do, some you
>get an expert to do for you.
>Peter.
Yup - thats pretty much as I 'see' it too.
The range of forge designs and types of smithing equipment alone would
suggest this - even in the face of other hints like the spread in quality
of the objects we have or even the hints from documents etc. (Also excuse
my Norse bias here.....)
I have been curious about forge design itself. Standing / high anvil /
table forge of some type OR squatting / low stub or rock on ground / bowl
forge. (And no - I have done no more than * very * superficial checking of
sources. Working independent of any university is such a pain!)
I know there are the various remains of bowl forges. My question is :
Has there been a study of the (northern, post Roman to Norse) human remains
related with grave goods that thus indicate blacksmiths? 'The bones will
tell', with damage or other marking that would indicate prefered /
repetitive physical actions. This would reference back to working methods.
I'm very painfully (!) aware how the mechanics of smithing distorts and
damages the smith.
Darrell
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