When the blacksmith forges items from iron, each hammer blow imparts additional life force into the piece. The smith's hammer was often made by his predecessor who, as traditional custom instructed, incorporated a small piece of his own hammer, which was made in the same manner from a piece of his teacher's hammer. This physical connection unites the present smith with the original ancestor who gave his hammer and fire to man.

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

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