essay

New evidence on early iron-smelting from southeastern Nigeria

archaeology of africa : foods, metals, and townsLondon • Published In 1993 • Pages: 432-448

By: Okafor, Edwin E..

Abstract
Okafor reviews the literature on on early iron-smelting techniques and origins. He also examines iron-smelting residues from three sites in the Nsukka Division in southeastern Nigeria. One site, Opi, falls within the range of the west African Iron Age period and represents an early stage of bloomery iron smelting using a forced draught shaft furnace. He analyzes the slag from another site, Leja, which although not dated resembles the kind of residue left behind at Opi. For other reviews of literature on the origns and technology of the west African iron industry, see documents nos. 7, 8, 11, and 15.
Subjects
Metallurgy
tradition
West African Iron Age
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2001
Field Date
1991
Coverage Date
2500-2100 BP
Coverage Place
Nsukka Division, southeastern Nigeria
Notes
Edwin E. Okafor
For bibliographical references see document number 17: Anonymous
LCCN
92013921
LCSH
Iron Age--Africa