When iron is heated until it is malleable and then hammered into shape, it is called wrought iron. Tough and strong, it can be fashioned into graceful curves; hence it was often used for decorative items such as fencing, railings, brackets and hangers, as well as practical objects such as chains, anchors, rivets and bars.

True wrought iron can usually be distinguished by its sensuous patterns and curves. Often the marks of the smith's hammer are evident. Because wrought ironwork is forged by hand, small irregularities are usually apparent - and valued as evidence of the smith's craft.

Roofing materials

Just about every material imaginable has been used for roofing in some location where it is abundant and appropriate. Stone, wood, baked clay, tar and gravel, animal skins, treated cloth, composition shingles, woven branches or fronds, straw thatch, sod or ice, all have served to put a roof over our heads.

The roof tiles shown here are of early 20th century and modern vintage. The early tiles (right), formed by shaping damp clay across the thigh of the installer, are well weathered. The machine-formed modern equivalent on the far left is relatively new.

Wooden shakes, often made of cedar, have been used locally for many years, but are falling into disfavor due to concerns about fire danger and the environment.

	This page last updated: October 2, 2003 Original content: Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Museum of American Heritage Trademarks are the property of their owners