God's Own Blacksmiths: working with Keralan blacksmiths to investigate microstructural analysis

Abstract

The skills and techniques of past metal smiths are gauged through the analysis of the microstructures of artifacts using standard metallography. Little or no work has been carried out to test or verify microstructural observations through ethnographic and experimental re-enactment of techniques. This study will offer a way to establish the veracity of this approach to studying iron objects and will draw on direct practical engagement with remnant Keralan blacksmithing communities. In addition, controlled experimental re-enactment, deconstruction of techniques and comparative microstructural analysis will be carried out. How local agricultural tools are forged and what makes up the smithing toolkit will be assessed as well as how each forging space is utilized. This research aims to conduct the study using a range of methods that includes experimental re-enactment in a manner that assesses their applicability to other regions and periods.