Projekt

African metallurgy is greatly variable in terms of the techniques of metal production and socio-cultural aspects that were part of the process (e.g. Sutton 1985; Schmidt 2001). This knowledge is based on patchy metallurgical research possibly due to the large size of the continent in relation to a few archaeometallurgists in particular regions as well as due to research interests of the previous writers. As a result, there are a few African regions that have lagged behind and some are virtually terra incognita archaeometallurgically speaking. There is also over-concentration on iron metallurgy rather than copper or tin metallurgy. The purpose of the proposed research project is to explore iron and copper metallurgical traditions and human technological and socio-cultural choices made during the process of metal production in selected provinces of Zambia. To this end, primary data will be collected through: ethno-historical and ethno-botanical surveys, archaeological surveys (surface and subsurface) and excavation, and; lab methods will include: sample prep methods, optical and electron microscopy and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses and lab ceramics firing and re-firing experiments. It will improve our understanding of the metallurgy of the Region in terms of the copper and iron technological traditions including the three-stage tradition as well as the choices humans made in relation to metallurgy.

• Prof. Dr. Brigitte Reinwald

  Universität Hannover
  Philosophische Fakultät
  Historisches Seminar
  Fachgebiet Geschichte Afrikas
  Hannover
  

• Dr. Edwinus Lyaya

  University of Dar es Salaam
  College of Humanities
  Department of Archaeology and Heritage
  Heritage Building, Ground Floor, Room No. 25
  Dar es Salaam
  Tansania (Tanzania)
  

• Pathways to African steel production: secondary steel production in miniature (vintengwe) furnaces in southwestern Tanzania, AD 1680 1950