Photo by Miriam Espacio on Unsplash
Metals are fascinating materials that have captivated human imagination for millennia. They rust and corrode, change colour and deform. This constant state of change has led ancient cultures, particularly in the North, to view metals living entities. Just as living beings grow, age, and transform, so do most metals that travel with us. Let’s delve into how metals mimic life, from the patinated battle-worn shields to the limits of mortality.
Iron, The Living Being
In ancient Northern cultures, iron was more than just a material; it was seen as a living creature. This belief stemmed from iron’s dynamic nature. Over time, iron rusts and changes color, developing a reddish-brown crust that seems to signify aging. This transformation was perceived as a form of life cycle, mirroring the growth, aging, and eventual decay experienced by living organisms. The rusting of iron was not just a chemical reaction but a symbol of life, change, and the passage of time.
Talos and Mortality
One of the most notable metal beings in mythology might be Talos, a giant automaton made from bronze. He was created by Hephaestus to protect Europa on the island of Crete from pirates and invaders. Despite his metallic nature, Talos was not immortal. He had one vein of ichor running through his body that was held in place by a single bronze nail. This resulted in his eventual defeat as the sourceress Medea persuaded him to pull the nail out, resulting in his death. It has been suggested that this story could refer to the lost-wax method of casting, but it also opens up the question of the metal immortality. Metals, which seem impervious and eternal, are still subject to the limitation of the mortal world. Talos’s demise is a poignant reminder that all things, living or not, are transient and that the end is an inherent part of existence.
Photo by Mariska Vereijken on Unsplash
Legacy and Prominence
Just as on Talos’ beautiful frame, statues and buildings have been decorated for millenia with copper and bronze. They are well known for the exquisite turquoise and green patinas they develop through time, but patina is more than just a sign of age; it is a narrative of endurance and prominence. What stories might the Shield of Achilles have to tell? What might have the Timoneion in Alexandria witness? A patinated object, whether it’s a statue, a sword, or a piece of armor, carries with it the legacy of its past. It stands as a testament to the events it has witnessed and the people who have interacted with it. This enduring presence of patinated metal objects serves as a metaphor for the legacy and influence that individuals and cultures leave behind.
Conclusion
Metals, through their ability to rust, corrode, and develop patina, embody a dynamic, life-like quality. Ancient people recognized this and imbued metals with symbolic meanings that resonate with themes of life, change, experience, and mortality. From the rusting iron of Northern lore to the mortal bronze of Talos, metals tell stories of transformation and legacy. They remind us that everything, no matter how strong or eternal it seems, is subject to the passage of time and the cycle of life.
Celebrating Patina
Our Lepidoptera Collection follows the lives of moths and caterpillars. Our ring, The Moth, features homegrown patina in one of its variations. We wanted to create a link between this beautiful living creature and the living material that it carries to celebrate the metaphorical connection and to mimic the beautiful colours often found on moths.
Find out more about The Moth with patina here.
