An ancient process of ornamenting a metal surface by the use of pattern-welding. The process was used in imitation of early Middle Ages patterned swords said to be from Damascus. In the damascening process, a bar of steel and iron welded together is repeatedly drawing out, doubled back on itself, and welded together. The surface was later treated with acid to darken the steel areas. Ferrite remains bright. In the East the process of inlaying metal on metal is common, particularly in parts of Iraq and India, where it is known as Kuft work. The technique is still used for high quality shot-gun barrels. Unfortunately, the term is often misused to describe forged cast hypereutectoid steels (Wootz, Watered Steel) as the patterns can be similar although the mode of formation of the pattern is very different.