Bambara tradition describes the smith as the First Son of Earth and the Master of Fire. His knowledge ultimately reaches back to Maa, the first human, whom Maa Ngala taught the secrets of metalworking. The forge itself is called Fan, the same name given to the primordial Egg from which the universe emerged and which was the first sacred forge.

The smithy reproduces the structure of creation through a ritual arrangement of earth, water, air, and fire. Before beginning work, the smith purifies himself and the workshop, dresses according to prescribed rules, and invokes the four maternal elements. He then addresses the anvil and hammer through symbolic actions that establish communication before metalworking begins.

Apprenticeship proceeds from silence and observation toward increasingly complex rhythmic blowing and oral instruction. The master trains and corrects the pupil until he reaches mastery, after which a liberation ceremony permits the new smith to establish his own forge. Smithing thus forms the apprentice's conduct as well as his technical ability.

The smith's authority extends beyond metallurgy. He is described as knowledgeable about plants, minerals, the bush, and the location of metals, and as capable of detecting gold-bearing ground through vegetation and pebbles. His ritual status also makes him the person entitled to perform circumcision, while the Master of the Knife in Komo initiation is said to be a smith.