“And They Did Work in All Manner of Ore and All Manner of Metals”

Brant Gardner

Archaeologists have established the use of iron in this period in Mesoamerica (see commentary accompanying Ether 7:8–9) but not the rest of these metals. Since this list occurs as an example of the inhabitants’ riches, Joseph may have replaced a list of unfamiliar natural resources with items valuable in his own environment. Jade and obsidian were both very important in Olmec trade networks. (See commentary accompanying Ether 10:22.) While it seems improbable that one might mistake either jade or obsidian for a metal, it is possible that the concept being translated is value, not substance.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 6

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