The central of metalwork such as copper and brass has been in existence since the age of Matarm kingdom. At the time, the center of metalworking was functioned as the main supplier of household items made of metal, serving the aristocrats as well as the comments.
At the time of the Mataram kingdom, a Mataram Prince known by the name Prince Jolang intended to stay in the Tumang area. At the time, the Tumang area was still a forest. In this place, Prince Jolang and his aides opened the forest and built a settlement. Henceforth, Prince Jolang needs such as eating utensils and household items made of metal was supplied by a few blacksmiths.
After the prince passed, the blacksmiths stayed in the Tumang area. Over time, these blacksmiths spawned a new generation of copper house wares crafters in the Tumang area. Nowadays almost all of the villages inhabitants are copper and brass workers. The area then becomes the center of metalworking in Central Java. This center is located in the foot of Mt. Merbabu, at Cepogo village and Tumang. The area located about 40 km from Solo and 12 km from Boyolali.
Previously, the crafters made housewares, such as kitchen utensils and household needs. It was only around the 1970s when they began to produce works of art, interior ornaments as well as copper and brass ornaments. Now the crafters not only make pure copper products, but also try to produce new innovations. For example, using copper mixed with brass in creating their crafts. (majalah-handicraft.com)
