The trans[form]ing blacksmiths ingenuity from the 19th century pre–colonial Buganda to present Uganda

Abstract

Blacksmithing in Buganda had historically been a cornerstone of cultural identity, economic vitality, and artistic expression, yet its transformation through colonial disruptions and modern influences had remained underexplored. The craft’s resilience amidst socio-cultural, political, and economic shifts had offered a lens to examine indigenous ingenuity and its potential for sustainable development in Uganda. The study aimed to trace the historical evolution of blacksmithing in Buganda from the pre colonial era to the present, identify socio-cultural, political, economic, and geographic factors fostering its resilience and transformation, and analyze its artistic material culture to inform strategies for cultural preservation and industrial innovation. Employing an ethnographic approach within a constructivist framework, the research had utilized participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, visual documentation, and archival analyses. Data had been collected primarily in Kyaddondo and Butambala counties, focusing on Kasimba clan artisans, with triangulation ensuring robustness of findings. Findings had revealed that pre-colonial blacksmiths had held revered status, crafting royal regalia and tools under monarchical patronage, embedding their work in Buganda’s spiritual and economic systems. Colonial policies had marginalized the craft by prioritizing imported goods, yet artisans had adapted by producing tools for cash-crop economies. Post-independence, political stability and cultural revival had spurred innovation, with blacksmiths using scrap metal to create hybrid products like decorative gates for urban and tourist markets. Resilience had stemmed from clan-based knowledge transmission, ritual practices, and geographic access to trade hubs, though challenges like resource scarcity had persisted. The study had concluded that blacksmithing’s ingenuity had endured through adaptive strategies and cultural pride, offering a model for preserving indigenous crafts. It had recommended establishing cultural centers to document techniques, skills programs to enhance market competitiveness, and policy advocacy to support artisans, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9 for inclusive industrialization. These efforts could ensure blacksmithing’s legacy as a dynamic expression of Buganda’s identity.