Blacksmithing and Copperworking
Blacksmithing and Copperworking, are historical professions well-known in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, practitioners are called "blacksmith" and "copperworker." These are labor-intensive professions, with various tools used for completing the work, such as bellows, anvils, shears, hammers, and tongs of different types.
Products of blacksmithing and copperworking
The blacksmith manufactures tools for various purposes, such as construction and industry, and household uses. Blacksmithing involves producing many tools, including pots, household utensils, swords, daggers, digging and farming tools, and construction tools, in addition to woodworking and carving tools.
The coppersmith creates items such as pots, knives, spoons, pitchers, and coffee pots, as well as some lighting tools like lamps and lanterns. Both copper and iron are used to produce similar items, as there are pots made with iron and others with copper, the latter preferred by some for cooking.
Historical blacksmithing and copperworking in Saudi Arabia
Blacksmithing and copperworking are known across all Saudi regions, blacksmiths in western Saudi Arabia forge raw iron into various tools like axes, knives, and hammers. Coppersmiths create and polish copper items over time.
In southern Saudi Arabia, blacksmithing and copperworking produced iron weapons like rifles, daggers, and sabers, used for various purposes, including hunting and self-defense.
In central and eastern Saudi Arabia, blacksmithing and copperworking were used for the same purposes, with the availability of additional tools that local communities employed to help facilitate daily life in their environment. These included tools used in the construction of boats and ships, implements for marine fishing, as well as weapons such as firearms, daggers, and swords.
In northern Saudi Arabia, blacksmiths created necessary and luxury items for all society segments, including farmers, nomads, and merchants, who required new iron and copper goods, aside from the maintenance and polishing of their existing tools.
Blacksmithing and copperworking in the modern era
In the modern era, iron and copper are used in industrial and mining sectors, like energy and logistics. Iron and copper products are part of most modern uses and practices, from building homes to personal and household uses. Blacksmithing and copperworking professions have evolved in Saudi Arabia, now performed in specialized factories with modern tools, facilitating usage and saving time and effort.