Bellows carved in phallic forms rhythmically pumped air into the charge. The two bowl-like chambers were once covered with a bag of animal skin. The skin envelops a volume of air that, when compressed, is forced out through a tubular passage to fan the fire. The ore and charcoal were heated until a near-molten bloom of iron, called a fetus by the smelters, formed inside the furnace chamber. When the "gestation" period was complete, the bloom was delivered as if a child. The slag believed to be the placenta was gathered as foundation material for a new furnace.

Bellows
Songye - The Democratic Republic of the Congo
wood, 24.25"h x 13.25"w x 3.5"d
Collection of: Joel Cooner

Life Force at the Anvil
The Blacksmith's Art from Africa

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