002.180.Idrija

Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre, Bazoviška 2, SI-5280 Idrija

Public

Republic of Slovenia

/

Mine

The blowpipe is a long, entirely hollow pipe, which is folded in an L shape at the 4/5 of its length.

Length (longer section) 250 cm, length (shorter section) 60 cm, diameter 2 cm.

Iron

1960s

Manufacturer information is not known.

During machine drilling for the needs of ore excavation, fine powder and rock pieces were collected in the opening. It hindered the precise planting of the explosives. With the use of compressed air, which was released through the blowpipe, the miners could thoroughly clean the well. When the blowpipe was cleaned with a special device (“štavfalca”), the explosive was jammed into the opening and it was filled with clay rolls (nudl). The ore was then blown up, and loaded onto the pit carts and then transported to the assembly shaft. The ore was then exported to the surface.

The blowpipe is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the CUDHg mine collection. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum display Anthony's Main Road. It is a part of the presentation that represents the entire story of mining in the Idrija Mercury Mine and with the related work process. The blowpipe is located on the 20th level of the Kropáč mining field and represents a device for the mechanical method of drilling and ore acquisition.

Working at the mining field of Idrija Mercury Mine.

Anthony's Main Road (level I/20 of the Kropáč mining field), Kosovelova 3, SI-5280 Idrija.

The blowpipe is well preserved. It was cleaned for the purpose of the museum display. Additional interventions are not necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- CUDHg Inventory Book.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

6. 3. 2018

Never