Uruguay · Pattern-welded steel bladesmithing
Cuchillería en Acero Damasco
Forging knife blades in Damascus steel (acero damasco) by pattern-welding layered steels to produce the characteristic rippled, wood-grain surface, then fitting handles of stingray leather (galuchat), bone or fine hardwood, with leather sheaths. In Uruguay the technique is documented through Fernando Ricca, a knifemaker (cuchillero) for 26 years who began roughing out blades with basic tools and built much of his own equipment; with Yennifer Ricca he won first place for unique piece at the 2021 Premio Nacional de Artesanía.
Risk level: Vulnerable · Not Applicable — no UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inscription exists for this craft at time of writing
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