[meteorite-list] The Relic and Some Images

[MarkF]

Hi Jeff and List

I agree that old civilizations had iron, but smelting is another aspect and 
not really needed to "work" iron.
The records show that China smelted as early as 500-700 BC, but cold 
workking iron goes back further as seen in greek legend of swords of 
legendary warriors which would cut through the bronze swords.
So, African societies could have extensive knowledge of cold working, and 
later, smelting iron from meteoritic material just as the native peoples of 
Greenland did with the Cape York which had been found as far as 2200 Km from 
the site.

Mark

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeff Pringle" <jpringle at mail.stuartdean.com>
To: <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Friday, October 29, 2004 12:43 PM
Subject: RE: [meteorite-list] The Relic and Some Images


> 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.
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