Pliers

Our pliers are exhibited alongside the heads of trout.

Pliers. Severely oxidized. Open jawed. Late 20th century, c.e. Exhibited alongside trout, common name given to a number of species of freshwater fish, family: Salmonidae.

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History

Pliers were invented in Europe around 2000 b.c.e. to grip hot objects (principally iron as it was being forged on an anvil). Among the oldest illustrations of pliers are those showing the Greek god Hephaestus in his smithy. Today, pliers intended principally to be used for safely handling hot objects are usually called tongs.

Design

The Forge of Vulcan. Diego Velasquez. Museo del Prado. Madrid.

Vulcan forging the Beams of Jupiter. Rubens.

to.1999.3828.ox