You might be interested in Peter Schmitt's work in Tanzania. There is
very little evidence there too as to how far back bellows were used, but
the archaeology does indicate a very slow rate of change in technology.
He demonstatrated that the valve-less bellows used in East Africa up to
the beginning of this century are actually advantageous because air is
better pre-heated by being occillated in the tuyeres. He found that the
longer tuyeres and more simple bellows, than those used in Europe in the
BC era, apparently produced better blooms at much higher temperatures.
>On Wed, 11 Nov 1998 11:23:58 -0500 I.E. Schrufer-Kolb wrote:
>
>> From: I.E. Schrufer-Kolb <[log in to unmask]>
>> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 11:23:58 -0500
>> Subject: use of bellows in ancient metallurgy
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> evidence for the use of bellows appears to be rather scant in the context
>> of ancient metallurgy. I am aware of the various iconographic and literary
>> sources as well as the indirect evidence provided by tuyere finds. But:
>> does anyone know of any archaeologically preserved remains of bellows
>> themselves?
>>
>> Many thanks,
>> Irene
--
Mike Yates Frome Somerset England
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