The Ethiopian Iron Smelter and his World

Randi Haaland
2005
56 minutes

 

The blacksmith's role in material transformations (ore to iron) is frequently used as metaphor for social transformations i.e. rites de passage.

The transformative aspects of iron working are striking; iron smelting is seen as analogous to giving birth; the blacksmith's role in material transformations (ore to iron) is frequently used as metaphor for social transformations i.e. rites de passage; the forging of artefacts in the smithy on the other hand is often used as model for conceptualization of the divine creation of the universe.

Anthropologist: 
Gunnar Haaland
Data Dea
Editor: 
Rolf Scott
Producer / Production company: 
University of Bergen, SOT Film A/S
Africa: 
Other keywords: 
Technology
Organisation and Symbolism in Transformation of Nature