I know that ancient Russia has long been widely known for its smiths-craftsmen. The first blacksmiths are sung in ancient traditions, as brave, strong and invincible strongmen. I decided to look into the origins of one of the ancient trades - blacksmith artisans.
RUSSIAN IRON WAS VEDOMO MORE ELDERLY TO THE SLAVIC PEOPLE
It was extracted from the deposits of marsh and meadow ores. Forge, where metal was smelted, was taken out of the city for security purposes. Old furnaces were a meter-long pit, heavily smeared with clay. Later, ground furnaces began to be made and placed not in the corner of the workshop, but in the middle of the room. This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds of semi-finished products and iron-production waste.
The process of cooking the metal was very difficult and time consuming. Leather furs for air supply in the furnace were inflated manually. Then the dominitsa was disorganized and the crust was removed, which was immediately forged and placed under the hammer. And so it was repeated many times. To start a new smelting furnace was built anew.
IN THE ANCIENT, THE FORMER MERCHANDISERS HAVE THEM AND FISHED IRON
For forging works used metal shovel, hammer, anvil, tongs. Usually in the smithy worked for two people: the master blacksmith and his assistant - an apprentice. One held a heated piece of iron with a pair of tongs, another pounded a hammer with a chisel. In the old days anyone who dealt with metal was called "blacksmith of copper", "blacksmith of silver", etc.
At that time, they made simple household utensils necessary for household use. These include: knives, scythes, sickles, hoops for kadushek, handles for tubs, carnations. Later, more complicated things appeared: chains, spikes, rings for harness, axes.
Significant development acquired the manufacture of military weapons and armor. Special armourers-artisans forged combat swords, shields, sabers, chain mails, quivers with arrows. Such things required from the master of special skill and skilled receptions in forging. For example, to make chain mail and helmet to the master it was necessary to fulfill several moments: metal wire forging, assembly welding, joining and riveting of rings.
Forged products of Russian blacksmith artisans were also famous outside the country. So, in the Czech Republic and the Baltic region, locks and keys made by ancient Russian craftsmen are still found.
By the 12th century, non-ferrous metals began to be used in smithery production, which were brought from Scandinavia and Hungary. Women's jewelry and accessories, church accessories were in great demand. At that time a method of "hollow casting" appeared. He allowed to save metal and reproduce complex jewelry from an inexpensive alloy of lead and tin.
The dawn of artistic forging came in the 17-18th century. The nobility and the nobility began to decorate with their forging elements their palaces and temples. On the windows appeared openwork, protective grilles. Houses and parks were decorated with beautiful forged fences and gates. Forged items emphasized the individuality and exquisite taste of the owners, and also diversified the interior design.
