Role the bones – from iron to steel

Abstract

Rituals and technology have many common structural features. Planned sequences of actions assure that goals are achieved. The actions are technical necessities, whereas rituals are actions impossible not to do. This work is the result of cooperation between an archaeologist and a smith. We wish to put forward thoughts on technological processes for carbonization of iron, i.e. making steel. The process can be divided into several phases, but the transformation from iron to steel may have deeper and more symbolic content than anticipated, due to the use of bones. We will argue that the production of iron may be seen as a birth, and that the metal develops social qualities through initiations and ritual technique.

Acknowledgments

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would express my deepest respect to Hans‐Johnny Hansen. He is an outstanding smith with enormous knowledge that I am lucky to draw on. Bente Magnus has given comments on earlier drafts and Gro Steinsland and Else Mundal have examined notions and semantic meanings of certain words in Voluspá. Siv Kristoffersen and Randi Barndon have discussed parts of the work with me, and generously sent me articles and theses. In addition Joakim Goldhahn, Terje Østigård, Arnulf Østerdal, Lotte Hedeager and Anders Andrén have discussed the approach and given some necessary encouragements.