Making a copper piece is a group affair, with one person superheating a sheet of copper over a fire, and then a few others carrying the red hot metal to a form where, if it is a large work, it is hammered into shape by several others. This process is repeated several times, and larger works can take many days to complete. There is no welding involved; each piece, no matter how elaborate, is made from a single sheet of copper. Santa Clara del Cobre is a proud, prosperous town, with a people that have endured the vicissitudes of history and have emerged as world renowned artisans. Their hard won success is richly deserved.