The island of Cebu located in Central Philippines appeared in Western documents basically due
to two events in world history. First when Ferdinand Magellan's fleet returned to Seville in
1522 after circumnavigating the world. Cebu arose for the second time in history due to the
discovery of the return route through the Pacific 44 years after Magellan. Apart from these
events in maritime history Cebu played a significant role in interisland trading during the
pre-Hispanic period. The Spanish chroniclers saw a very vibrant center of trade. The goods
traded by the Chinese include porcelain gold slaves and food supplies. It can be inferred
that through Chinese traders the local pandays (blacksmiths) got hold of iron that they used
for different kinds of tools. In the archaeological sites uncovered in the historic district of
Cebu much material has been found that needs further study and interpretation. This book
investigates as an example found pieces of a blacksmith's shop.
