Tongs, Blacksmith's
Image edited from an original positive on film ©National Museums Scotland digitised by The Trimontium Trust
Name/Title
Tongs, Blacksmith'sEntry/Object ID
X.FRA 299Description
Blacksmith's iron tongs from the Roman site at Newstead (Trimontium), 80 - 100 ADUse
Metalworking. Used to move the hot iron from the forge to the anvil and hold it while it was hammered. Similar tongs are still used by modern blacksmiths. These tongs have been designed for left-hand use, so the hammer could be held in the right hand. "They were perhaps used for drawing out the heads of spears or for forging bolts. It should be noted that they have been made for a left-handed man (Pit XVI)." - J CurleContext
The Roman army needed blacksmiths to make iron tyres, fittings, and nails, as well as to repair weapons. 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 299Source (if not Accessioned)
National Museums ScotlandMade/Created
Date made
80 - 180Time Period
1st - 2nd centuryEthnography
Cultural Region
Continent
EuropeCulture/Tribe
Romano British, Roman