Following the fascinating BAS lecture on the archaeological typography of iron nails by Katie Manby, the BAS Finds Group set out to undertake their own experimental archaeology exercise to recreate iron objects from the past to better understand the past manufacturing processes and the technology needed to undertake iron working. On 19thJune eight BAS members (Andrew, Martin, Nigel, Anne, Jo, James, Gabrielle, and Keith) attended a blacksmithing workshop at Cobalt Blacksmiths run by David Gregory who is not only a skilled professional blacksmith but is also a trained archaeologist who has participated in a number of past experimental research projects.
The objective for the day was for each BAS member to identify an artefact from their own archaeological research to recreate using basic iron working skills. Artefacts chosen ranged from iron nails, penannular brooches, shears, and knives. Training was given on basic iron working techniques as well as the technology used to heat and work metal without the aid of modern-day technology. Figure 1 shows an Early Medieval knife similar to one discovered at the University of Reading excavation at Cookham in 2022, the part made object and the finished recreation.
Training was also given on how iron artefacts should be curated and preserved when discovered during archaeological excavations. One half of a set of iron tongs discovered at a West Berkshire Roman site by BAS members was used as an exemplar of how such artefacts would have been made.
The BAS team then spent an interesting day learning the basic techniques of iron working needed to recreate the artefacts from their own research. Pictures below show BAS members at work in the foundry, hammering red hot iron on their anvils. All who attended had an enjoyable time learning new skills as well as putting them to practice.
Cover image. Martin, Nigel, Andrew, and David at work