Bronze and Copper Crafts in Spain
Country of the crafting: Spain
Region of the crafting: Andalucía
Type of the crafting: Metal and ironwork
1. Geographic area
This craft stands out in Extremadura and Andalusia, Spain.
2. History
Copper began to be used to make various ornaments and utensils. Even so, for a long time the use of copper did not replace the basic tools of the time, which were mostly manufactured based on different types of stones or wood. This was because the tools made with flint and obsidian stones used to be more effective than copper for rough and demanding tasks.
Some of the practical applications of copper apart from ornaments, was its use in the manufacture of needles and punches. Over time, the technique of smelting and forging of copper was perfected, allowing hand tools and religious symbols used as amulets to be developed during the rites of worship of deities of the time.
Likewise, rudimentary weapons were elaborated with which they could defend themselves and attack during the fighting, or be used for animal hunting and subsequent preparation.
3. Used materials
Bronze is a metallic alloy of copper and tin. In bronze, the majority element is copper. Tin is complementary and is found in a much smaller proportion, between 3% and 20%. Currently, many bronze producers add zinc to the mix.
4. Process
Mainly bronze is composed of tin and copper, bronze alloys are joined and heated. Once molten, the metal is poured into the cavity of the fire hardened clay. the metal cools and the sculptor hits the metal clay.
