Hi folks! I hope you get the time to read the first part of
my feeble attempt to unearth the mysterious “mining” myth.
So I was talking about the history of mining. To continue,
we now travel back in time to the medieval times. It is during this time that
mining experienced significant changes in medieval Europe. With their focus
mainly on copper and iron using open-pit mining and ore extraction from shallow
depths.
It was during the 14th century period that political and
natural disasters ravaged Europe. France and England fought in the Hundred
Year’s War and this period is considered the height of chivalry and separate
identities of France and England. As war was rampant, so was the demand for
iron for military purposes as it is then used for weapons, armour, stirrups,
and horseshoes. Talk about how mining changed the course of history. Those who
have more minerals to excavate can build empires and conquer by use of brute
force and lots of weaponry.
Mining wasn’t used only for safety and security purposes, it
was also during this time that mining helped pave the way for agricultural
innovations and infrastructure. An example of the agricultural invention is the
arrastra, a primitive mill for grinding and pulverizing gold and silver ore from
which grain threshing derived the same principle. Arrastra is a Spanish term
from arrastre which means to drag along the ground. The growing use of metal as
a material for building use was the key to infrastructure development brought
about by mining.
So come to think of it, if not for the mysterious and
dreaded mining, how are we ever going to survive? Let us imagine during those
times sans mining- how will Edward III, King of England lead a claim to the
French throne? How will they attack without plate body armour that weighs
approximately 100 pounds of pure iron or steel? How will their horses travel
long journeys treading uneven grounds? How will they defend their castles
without the use of metals for their castle walls?
And now we travel back to 1000 BC, in which time mining in
the Philippines began. Filipinos during that era already worked in various
mines such a gold, silver, copper and iron. Ancestors passed down antiques such
as jewels, gold ingots, earrings, chains and calombigas (arm bracelet) to their
descendants. It was also said by Lazlo Legeza that gold jewelry of Philippine
origin was found in Ancient Egypt. Talk about coming into full circle, as I
have mentioned in Part 1, Ancient Egypt is one of the places were mining roots
can be found. According to Antonio Pigafetta (an Italian Scholar who kept an
accurate journal who travelled with and was the assistant of Ferdinand
Magellan- of course we know who Magellan is!), the inhabitants of Mindoro were
skilled in great craftsmanship in mixing gold and other metals to give it a
natural and perfect appearance that even the best silversmiths could be
deceived.
Philippine natives were also known for jewelries (necklaces,
belts, armlets, belts and rings placed around the waist) made from other precious
metals. No wonder the Filipinos have a knack for opulent sense of fashion,
glitters and glamour. Well, I guess this is where we part folks, but don’t you
worry, Part 3 is on its way.
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