Metallurgy is ancient in sub-Saharan Africa, where the blacksmith often belonged to a special blacksmithing caste. He was regarded with some suspicion by the village or tribe because he could transform ore into powerful ceremonial objects filled with spiritual power. He was also powerful because he could produce utilitarian objects in a way no one else could. The wife of the blacksmith was often a potter—that other “First Craft”.

The metal ores were precious—even sacred—substances and were used in the fabrication of objects of the highest religious, political and social importance.

These pieces were forged with simple tools, and the forms are often technically superb and artfully created. Sacred objects of the African blacksmith merged utility with stark and stunning beauty.