Blacksmithing
(photos by Richard Gonzales)
The Blacksmith was vital to life in early New Mexico and was present on the northern frontier as early as 1598. The fragua (forge) and yunque (anvil) were where most of the tools were made and repaired. Our forge is made of adobe and the handmade fuelle (bellows) is of wood and leather. The anvil and the iron for tools and herraduras (horseshoes) were imported up the Camino Real from Mexico. Fuel for the forge was typically wood charcoal.
The blacksmith was well-trained, serving for many years as an apprentice before becoming a master. As an inventor and artist fabricating the tools needed on the northern frontier, he had to be an expert metalworker. When no raw iron was available, tools were made from old horseshoes, spoons from old tools, nails from old spoons and so on. No scrap of iron went to waste as it was continually reused. The blacksmith often served as the herrador (farrier) as well, keeping the hooves of the horses shod and in good condition. In addition, he may also have acted as the veterinarian.
