Swords and "urbanization"

katana · 11th October 2008, 08:58 PM

In Africa, the pattern of agricultural/pastural 'civilisation' leading to an industrial society doesn't really apply.
A number of wandering 'nomadic' blacksmiths / bladesmiths would travel to various tribes and in exchange for goods etc. would make weapons and tools. A number of tribes did have their own blacksmiths whom produced 'equipment' for their 'own'.
Blacksmiths were held in high regard and were/are associated with many cultural/religious/spiritual beliefs (both good and bad) Similar to the 'magical' esteem held for swordsmiths in early civilisations.

At the other end of the 'scale' ...In west and central Africa, iron working developed in the Mandara Mountains, on the borders of Nigeria and the Cameroon, and in the area around Yaoundé in the south of Cameroon around 2,600 BC. The iron was sourced and smelted there....this attracted blacksmiths from a variety of tribes whom took residence and produced weapons and tools that were traded.

I agree that our 'Western' concept of agricultural society developing into an industrial society will not apply to many 'Ethnic' groups. AFAIK the Mongols, although 'nomadic' had blacksmiths that travelled with the 'group' and did not rely on 'trade' blades.

Regards David

11th October 2008, 08:58 PM	#14
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	In Africa, the pattern of agricultural/pastural 'civilisation' leading to an industrial society doesn't really apply. A number of wandering 'nomadic' blacksmiths / bladesmiths would travel to various tribes and in exchange for goods etc. would make weapons and tools. A number of tribes did have their own blacksmiths whom produced 'equipment' for their 'own'. Blacksmiths were held in high regard and were/are associated with many cultural/religious/spiritual beliefs (both good and bad) Similar to the 'magical' esteem held for swordsmiths in early civilisations. At the other end of the 'scale' ...In west and central Africa, iron working developed in the Mandara Mountains, on the borders of Nigeria and the Cameroon, and in the area around Yaoundé in the south of Cameroon around 2,600 BC. The iron was sourced and smelted there....this attracted blacksmiths from a variety of tribes whom took residence and produced weapons and tools that were traded. I agree that our 'Western' concept of agricultural society developing into an industrial society will not apply to many 'Ethnic' groups. AFAIK the Mongols, although 'nomadic' had blacksmiths that travelled with the 'group' and did not rely on 'trade' blades. Regards David