Blacksmith
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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A blacksmith (also known as a tumaal) is a person who works in forging iron and other metals. The work involves heating iron in a fire until it becomes red-hot and malleable, then striking it with a hammer (dubbe) on an anvil (an, a large piece of iron or stone), to change its shape. When iron is heated in this way, it does not shine and does not become liquid—it only becomes malleable, which distinguishes forging from iron casting (foundry work).
Items made by blacksmiths include knives, spears, chains, bracelets, anklets, rings, donkey and horse shoes, and farming tools such as ploughs and hoes. In many societies, including Somali communities, blacksmithing was an important craft for agriculture, pastoralism, and weaponry.
Work methods
The workplace is called a smithy or forge. At its centre is a hearth (girgire), where charcoal or wood is burned, and bellows (tuuriyo) that push air into the fire to keep it hot. The heated iron is held with tongs (kalbash), then struck with a hammer and anvil. Common techniques include drawing out, bending, twisting, bending again, and forge welding (joining two pieces of iron by heating and hammering). Finally, some items are hardened by heating and then rapidly cooling them in water or oil (quenching), which makes the metal hard and sharp.
Social status
In many societies across Africa, Asia, and Europe, blacksmiths held a distinct social position—sometimes with high status (because of their knowledge and their role in making weapons), and sometimes subject to discrimination and social stigma. In Somalia, the term 'tumaal' carries two meanings: the craft itself and a social group historically associated with the craft. The social categorization of blacksmiths has long been a subject of debate and change.
Industrialization and the present day
With industrialization, factories and mass production machinery have taken over many tasks that blacksmiths once performed. As a result, the number of blacksmiths has declined in many places. However, the craft survives: some work as farriers (shoeing livestock), some make decorative ironwork (hinges, gates, and artistic pieces), and others forge hand-made knives. In developing countries, especially in rural areas, hand forging remains the primary source of farming tools and metalwork.