Learning chemistry of metals in the context of forging: An ethnographic case study of blacksmithing in Guji Oromo, Ethiopia

This study explores the art of blacksmithing in Guji Oromo to locate underlying chemistry concepts, knowledge, and ways of knowing. The ethnographic case study design was employed, in which 11 blacksmiths were engaged through observation and semi-structured interviews. The data from the interview and observation were separately analyzed and triangulated against each other thematically. As a result, it was found that the blacksmiths in Guji use three mechanisms to identify the quality and suitability of metals collected for redesigning: textual, mechanical, and sparking tests. Besides, blacksmiths with no or little schooling have a remarkable conception of the fundamentals of metals and metallic bonding, malleability and ductility as a measure of metal qualities, rusting as threats to the existence of metals and how to prevent, metallic crystal and micro crystal rearrangement and thermal conductivity of metals. Moreover, the setting and underlying ways of knowing were found to be so constructivist because novices are allowed to explore and learn their way with minimal involvement from the experienced ones. Concerning the origin of blacksmithing, two themes of hypothesis were found in this study. One is that the origination of the art is among the ancestors of Guji themselves, and the other is that the explorers and metallurgists from other communities in Kenya or southern Ethiopia introduced the art. Thus, the narratives are controversial which call for further study. In conclusion, the findings revealed that the blacksmithing practice in Guji has utilizable chemistry contents and concepts that could enhance learning of chemistry by creating familiar context.