Tongs, Blacksmith's
Image © National Museums Scotland
Name/Title
Tongs, Blacksmith'sEntry/Object ID
X.FRA 298Description
Blacksmith's iron hoop tongs from the Roman site at Newstead (Trimontium), 80 - 100 AD.Use
The tongs' pincers project at right angles to the main body, which suggests that they may have been used for making and attaching the iron types which run around the circumference of wooden spoked wheels.Context
The Roman army needed blacksmiths to make iron tyres, fittings, and nails, as well as to repair weapons. A number of objects used in the smiddy have been found in the Roman forts. (From NMS Scran) These tongs were found in Pit XVI along with another pair during the excavations by James Curle.Collection
National Museums ScotlandCategory
Tongs
Acquisition
Accession
X.FRA 298Source (if not Accessioned)
National Museums ScotlandMade/Created
Date made
80 - 100Time Period
Late 1st centuryEthnography
Cultural Region
Continent
EuropeCulture/Tribe
Romano British, Roman