Iroungou cave

Iroungou Cave, located near Mouila in Gabon's Ngounié Province, is a significant archaeological site dating back to the pre-colonial period in Africa. This unique site serves as a collective burial ground featuring the remains of at least 28 individuals, accompanied by an impressive collection of iron, copper, and shell artifacts. The cave, formed in neoproterozoic limestone, is accessed through a natural shaft that is 15 meters deep. It stands out in the region for its lack of comparable sites in West Central Africa. Excavations have uncovered hundreds of artifacts, including currency hoes, bracelets, rings, knives, and a novel type of spatula-shaped iron rod. The site dates to the Late Post-Classical Period between the 14th and 15th centuries CE, offering insights into the burial customs and metalwork of the time, including the removal of upper incisors as a cultural or social marker.