The new publication from the Tradition Today series presents a comprehensive, previously unpublished view of Roma blacksmithing in Slovakia in the context of their ethno-cultural development, reflecting on the forms and specifics of the material component (work procedures, products) as well as the social aspect (the position of blacksmiths in Roma communities and from the perspective of non-Roma inhabitants) of this occupation. Blacksmithing (and music) performed by Roma attracted the interest of the majority population and allowed Roma to transition to a permanently settled way of life during the 16th-18th centuries. This is the exceptional significance of this craft for both Roma and the majority population. The technology of metal processing was brought by Roma from their Indian homeland. This is evidenced by elements in the work technology (e.g. forging on the ground) and tools used (e.g. a pair of leather bellows), which are still used in India by presumed relatives of European Roma. Roma blacksmiths focused on producing items not made by local non-Roma blacksmiths, thus avoiding competition. Up until the mid-20th century, these included mainly roofing nails, spikes, horseshoes, railroad spikes, tools for farmers (plow ironwork, chains, axes, etc.), barrel makers, cauldron makers, carpenters, wheelwrights, and domestic items (knives, cleavers, trivets, fire tongs, animal traps, and more). Through examples from folklore (songs, proverbs), the author shows that Roma blacksmiths were respected both within their community and by the majority population. The publication tracks the development of Roma blacksmithing from the mid-20th century when cheap factory-made products dampened interest in blacksmith goods. Therefore, Roma blacksmiths preserved their craft by establishing blacksmith workshops and later focusing on artistic blacksmithing.

Bilingual: Slovak-English mutation and description of photographs and images

Published by the Center for Folk Art Production in Bratislava, a state-subsidized organization established by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, in 2018.