THE term blacksmith comes from the fact they work with "black" metals, typically iron, with the black coming from a layer of oxides formed on the metal's surface during heating.
"Smith" derives from the word "smite", which means "to hit".
Hence a blacksmith smites black metal.
Forging is often referred to as sculpting because it is the process of shaping metal, while the forge is the blacksmith's fireplace.
The first formed and shaped pieces of metal were discovered in archaeological digs dating back about 5000 years.
The first blacksmiths made weapons of death - for hunting or war.
In times of peace, blacksmiths earned their livelihood everyday items such as vases, urns and goblets.
