metal weapons and tools in the pacific

fearn · 16th September 2008, 02:29 AM

Hi Ausjulius,

In an old publication from the Bishop Museum, there was the story of the Hawaiians cold-forging nails from driftwood and using these for spikes, weaponry, and tools. This was before they were contacted, although I have no idea whose ships were being wrecked and washing up on Hawaii.

Don't know if this is true, but I do know that the Eskimos treated meteoric iron the same way, so it's possible.

What I'd say, then, is if anyone can produce a cold forged bit of iron, it actually might be part of an indigenous tradition.

F

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16th September 2008, 02:29 AM	#12
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Ausjulius, In an old publication from the Bishop Museum, there was the story of the Hawaiians cold-forging nails from driftwood and using these for spikes, weaponry, and tools. This was before they were contacted, although I have no idea whose ships were being wrecked and washing up on Hawaii. Don't know if this is true, but I do know that the Eskimos treated meteoric iron the same way, so it's possible. What I'd say, then, is if anyone can produce a cold forged bit of iron, it actually might be part of an indigenous tradition. F