Striking Iron combines interdisciplinary scholarship with vivid illustrations to offer the most comprehensive treatment of the blacksmith's art in sub-Saharan Africa to date. For more than two millennia, African blacksmiths have transformed one of Earth's most basic natural resources into objects of life-changing utility, empowerment, prestige, spiritual potency, and astonishing artistry"€"shaping African cultures in the most fundamental ways. Interspersed throughout are photographs of more than 250 diverse works from over 100 ethnic groups"€"including tools, blades, currencies, wood sculptures studded with iron, musical instruments, and accoutrements"€"with field photographs documenting blacksmiths at work and objects in use.