The development of fraternities in Dubrovnik can be traced back to the 13th century. In addition to distinctly religious fraternities that were established predominantly on the basis of territorial appurtenance, vocational fraternities (guilds) were beginning to appear as well, partkularly in town areas. Out of 52 associations, 37 were of religious character, and 15 were of trade. The statute of the Fraternity of blacksmiths and coppersmiths, whose patron was St. John the Baptist, is kept at the State Archives in Dubrovnik. Most of the statute's articles deal with the regulation of elections and duties of the fraternity's officials and members, as well as with the process of granting new membership, but of particular importance are decrees that regulate relations between tradesmen and the rights and obligations of apprentices.