[meteorite-list] The Relic and Some Images

[Jeff Pringle]

Don't dis the african tribal iron skills- they've been smelting iron from
ore and working it with much skill for thousands of years - they may have
even invented the technology before the romans. As a backyard smelter, I can
tell you it is no easy task, even with electricity & all modern technology.
Someone familiar with art restoration and conservation would probably be
able to remove the staples holding the rock in there without damaging the
artifact - your local museum might be able to direct you to a company they
use.


My immediate thought was that the iron work is made by someone with
considerable skill in metal working, and for a tribe the 1700's in south
Africa that would be some feat.