Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso

The Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso are a significant archaeological site featuring a collection of ancient iron smelting furnaces spread across five locations: Douroula, Tiwêga, Yamané, Kindibo, and Békuy. These sites provide evidence of an ancient and sophisticated ironworking tradition dating back to the 8th century BCE, marking the earliest known examples of iron metallurgy in Burkina Faso. The furnaces, varying in construction from natural draft to underground bellows types, highlight the technological advancements of pre-industrial societies in Africa. These sites not only demonstrate technical prowess but also reflect the social and cultural aspects of the communities that depended on iron production for agricultural and societal development. The presence of tombs and artifacts further enriches our understanding of the historical significance and cultural practices related to iron metallurgy in the region.