The silver mine of Tellure park near Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines experienced its peak activity between the 15th and 16th centuries. The working conditions underground were particularly grueling. The men, women, and young children worked with mostly basic tools in a noisy and dark environment. They were lit with tallow lamps causing smoke and a strong odor. The miners worked seated on leather aprons to face the constant humidity caused by oozing water. Women were often employed for the crushing of ore by hydraulic machines.