Kirikongo

Kirikongo is an Iron Age archaeological site located in the Mouhoun Bend region of Burkina Faso. The site features thirteen mounds representing separate households spread over a thirty-seven hectare area, reflecting a village setup. It was occupied from around 100 CE to 1700 CE, showing a progression from early single household settlements to a more stratified society with complex social structures. Evidence of iron smelting and ground stone production indicates advanced agricultural processing. The site's significance is further highlighted by its unique architectural features, including ritualized structures and specialized ceramic production, indicative of social and cultural transitions by 1100 CE. Kirikongo provides valuable insights into the cultural development and regional interactions of the ancestral Bwa people.