The second chapter of our annual co-selection is HERRERES.
The trade of the blacksmith was brought to America with Spanish expeditions. During the conquests, they displaced previous knowledge and instilled new ideologies about blacksmithing. Before the plundering of lands, metalworking in pre-Columbian times was mostly dedicated to goldsmithing. They worked with metals such as gold, silver, tin, and copper, which were ultimately used for ceremonial and ornamental purposes.
Pre-Columbian weapons and tools were primarily made of stone and wood, or a combination of both.
Herreres, as a working class, played the technological role responsible for the weapons and armor of warriors and their horses in this context.
The discourse surrounding iron was always subject to seeing it first as a weapon, then as a tool, then as an architectural piece, and finally as a structural element. Among the trades that accompanied blacksmithing upon arrival in America were coppersmiths, carpenters, tanners, swordsmiths, tailors, jewelers, barbers, candlemakers, etc.
Herreres were required to demonstrate honesty and quality in their work. They had to undergo examinations to prove their knowledge, and disobedience to quality standards resulted in penalties. Transparency in pricing was essential, and they were required to display or list all their costs at the front of the workshop.
Talents:
Fabricio (He/They, Bolivia)
He is from La Paz, Bolivia, and moved to Barcelona from his neighborhood, Chasquipampa. With various alter egos as a writer and photographer, his dream is to live by writing riddles in the future.
Photographer: Sofia Casals, (She/They, Chile) @zoficasals
Stylist: Andrea Cuadrado (They, Nicaragua) @andreasachhs
Espíritu Club
Team:
Silva @5ilv4 , Luciana @lucianaxreynoso , Annika @sunneeeeeeeeee and Ric @babybluric