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| Manel, the Blacksmith of the Castle |
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In all ancient societies the iron artisans were always the great impulse givers for the change, no matter if it was achieved in the plow or in the sword. There exist quite ancient documents that prove the enormous importance of the use and trade of iron in the region of Alentejo, more concretely in Évora, Aljustrel, Nisa and Alandroal. The blacksmiths' brotherhood appeared in the XIII century, when the crafts based upon the production of utilitarian artifacts, such as farm implements, weapons, scythes, rails, hoes and hammers. Nowadays, when we arrive at Alandroal, a village close to the river Guadiana, which functions as a natural borderline with Spain, we come across a wonderful medieval castle. The castle is a curious contrast monument, since the white color of the tower of the Main Church has nothing in common with its dark brown colored schist appearance. This dark brown colored schist constitutes the dominant material of its walls and of its donjon. It is at this castle that Manel Fontaínhas lives and works the iron in the forge of his blacksmith workshop. Manel inherited his father's profession, but only about 5 years ago he felt true and deep interest in this art, making nowadays reproductions of ancient pieces and restorations. He loves to work at his workshop with the fire, the chisel and the anvil in the same way as it was done hundreds of years ago, there, inside the castle of Alandroal. The handicraft in iron is Manel’s main activity, and he makes everything, from small pieces (candleholders, lamps, etc.) to pieces with larger dimensions (tables, shelves, gates, etc). He began participating in displays and craft fairs, and he privileges the creative act whenever possible, in each piece that he does. This artisan loves the village that he lives in, and he tries to preserve the customs of this art through other activities, for instance, by giving several courses about the work with the iron to young people of the region. |
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Stork Iron Stork |
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Lantern Iron Lantern |
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S Candleholder (small) Iron Candleholder |
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