Archaeological excavations of Mound 6 at Ngre Kataa in 2009 expose a workshop where blacksmiths produced iron and copper-alloy tools and ornaments. The mound is being excavated in 2 x 2 meter units named for the coordinates of their northeast corner. In unit 50N 0W (foreground), an area of burned soil marks the location where blacksmiths heated metals. A pottery jar sits in place to the right. In surrounding units (50N 2W, 48N 0W, 48N 2W) are large anvil stones where the hot metals would have been hammered and shaped through forging. The mound's stratified deposits suggest that the workshop area was used for many decades, and perhaps centuries, between the years of about 1350 and 1520 CE (Common Era). View across the mound from the northeast looking towards the southwest. Site Ngre Kataa. 27 June, 2009.
Finger ring made from twisted copper alloy wire. From Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Unit 44N 4W, Level 5. Width: 2.3 cm. Weight: 1.6 g. Ngre Kataa, 8 July, 2009.
Several grinding stones, a whole pot and a cluster of pottery sherds have been exposed in situ at the base of level 3, unit 44N 4W at Mound 6, Ngre Kataa. The large grinding stone in the foreground (grinding stone 1, NK-08-112) is oriented with its grinding surface facing down. Another smaller stone rests on a soil pedestal created as archaeologists excavated surrounding soil to a lower level. Upper right, a whole pottery jar (NK-08-176) sits next to a large grinding stone (grinding stone 3, NK-08-173) oriented with its grinding surface up. To the far left, above the photo scale in centimeters, archaeologists have exposed the edges of a pottery jar, broken in half and lying on its side. As excavations extended into the adjacent unit (42N 4W, to the left), this broken pot was found to be associated with two tuyere fragments. This cluster of grindstones, tuyeres and nearby burned features is interpreted as part of a larger metal-working workshop, the activities of which led to the build up of mound 6. The soil on the right side of the unit is darker because it is moister than that on the left. View to west. Site Ngre Kataa. 1 July, 2008.
Excavations in unit 42N 4W have exposed clusters of pottery, grinding stones, tuyeres and an area of burned soil associated with metal working at Mound 6, Ngre Kataa. Foreground, left, a grinding stone (GS 08-10) rests with its working surface face down. It sits at a slightly higher level than a nearby (left) whole pottery jar (NK 08-406). To the right of these, a partial pot (NK 08-282) and a tuyere fragment (NK 08-284) are clustered together with two halves of a broken pottery jar, lying with its exterior surface facing down. To the south (behind), near the sign board and framed by photo scales, is a burned feature. Next to it sits a hand-held hammerstone (GS 08-11). Another partial pottery jar (NK 08-520) and a small flat grinding stone (GS 08-12) have been exposed to the left of the sign board at 77 cm below the unit's datum. The narrow dark bands visible in the soil are the traces of animal burrows. Photo scale adjacent to the sign board in centimeters. View looking south. Site Ngre Kataa. 7 July 2008.
A twinned lost wax cast copper alloy figurine from Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Unit 44N 6W, Feature 5 cluster. Archaeologists interpret the Feature 5 cluster as a shrine placed among metalworking facilities. Height: 5.9 cm. Weight: 31.3 g. Ngre Kataa, 19 July, 2008.
The circular outline of a burned basin (Feature 3) is bracketed by photo scales (center) in unit 50N 4W (130 cm below the unit datum) at Mound 6. A pottery jar sits to the right side of the basin, its opening covered by a potsherd lid. To the left, a grinding stone sits, grinding surface down, over top of another pottery jar. Burned features like these were associated with metal working in this Mound 6 workshop area. Photo scale at bottom in centimeters. Site Ngre Kataa. 29 June, 2009.
The circular outline of a burned basin (Feature 3) is bracketed by photo scales (left of center) in unit 50N 4W (130 cm below the unit datum) at Mound 6. A pottery jar sits to the right side of the basin, its opening covered by a potsherd lid. To the left, a grinding stone sits, grinding surface down, over top of another pottery jar. Another grinding stone (far left) sits at a higher level in unit 50N 6W. A second burned feature is associated with a grinding stone tipped on its side, far right. Another pottery jar sits nearby, also lidded with a broken sherd. Burned features like these were associated with metal working in this Mound 6 workshop area. Photo scale at bottom in centimeters. Site Ngre Kataa. 29 June, 2009.
A finger ring made of twisted copper alloy wire is photographed in situ. Base of level 5, unit 44N 4W, Mound 6, Ngre Kataa. Scale in 5 centimeter increments. Ngre Kataa, 8 July, 2009.
A perforated pottery jar lidded with the pedestaled base of another pot sits in situ at the base of level 6, unit 46N 2W at Mound 6. The pot contained eight cowries and is interpreted by archaeologists as a shrine pot placed in association with metalworking facilities. Photo scale in 5 cm increments. Site Ngre Kataa. 24 June, 2009.
The mouth of a perforated shrine pot (left) is covered with the pedestaled base of another pot. It remains in situ as the surrounding areas of unit 46N 2W are excavated to lower levels. Behind, the stratified layers of Mound 6 are visible in the unit's north wall. Center (back) are a series of anvil and grinding stones exposed at higher mound levels in other excavation units. During excavations in 2008, a cluster of four anvil/grinding stones was found at a level slightly higher than but adjacent (left/west) to the perforated pot. At right, in lower levels, two grinding stones rest at an angle in association with a burned feature. Archaeologists interpret Mound 6 as a metallurgical workshop at which stratified levels built up through repeated use of the same location. Photo scale in centimeters. Site Ngre Kataa. 2 July, 2009.
Iron slag is formed as a byproduct of iron smelting. Here a large slag nodule has broken in half, revealing its interior texture. At the archaeological site of Ngre Kataa, large chunks of 'bubbly' slag like this were occasionally found in household and other contexts, away from areas otherwise associated with metal-working activities. Potters at the time of the site's occupation had begun to use crushed iron slag as a tempering agent in their potting clays, which may explain why large nodules were being carried and cached in areas away from metal-working locations. Ngre Kataa, June, 2008.
Iron slag is formed as a byproduct of iron smelting. Here a large slag nodule has broken in half, revealing its interior texture. At the archaeological site of Ngre Kataa, large chunks of 'bubbly' slag like this were occasionally found in household and other contexts, away from areas otherwise associated with metal-working activities. Potters at the time of the site's occupation had begun to use crushed iron slag as a tempering agent in their potting clays, which may explain why large nodules were being carried and cached in areas away from metal-working locations. Ngre Kataa, June, 2008.
Insitu pottery and iron artifacts associated with clusters B and C of what archaeologists interpret as a shrine (clusters A-D) which capped stratified deposits in a metallurgical workshop. Far left in unit 48N 10W, the flat surface of an anvil/grinding stone (GS 09-32) is exposed, to the left (west) of which a poorly preserved portion of an elephant tusk was found (now removed). To the right (east) of the large stone is Cluster B, which includes the group of sherds seen in the vertical exposure in front and left (west) of the tree stump. Behind the tree stump is a large cluster (C) of pottery lids, partial pots and iron objects. Photo scale marked in 5 cm increments. View looking towards northwest. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
Insitu pottery and iron artifacts associated with clusters B-D of what archaeologists interpret as a shrine (clusters A-D) which capped stratified deposits in a metallurgical workshop. Bottom left, at the base of a balk supporting the unit peg, is cluster D, comprised of two stones flanking an iron disc, laid flat (SF 09-158), and a tri-looped iron bangle (SF 09-159). In front and left (east) of the tree stump is a large cluster (C) of pottery lids, partial pots and iron objects, including an iron bangle (SF 09-148) and a pair of miniature iron manacles (SF 09-171, "B"-shaped object). To the right (west) of the tree stump, another cluster of pottery and iron objects can be seen. Top right of the photo, a yellow notebook rests on top of an anvil/grinding stone (GS 09-32), next to which rested a poorly preserved section of an elephant ivory tusk. North arrow photo scale marked in 5 cm increments, arrow pointing north. View looking towards southwest. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
An iron artifact (SF 09-031) recovered from screened soil taken from the southern end of excavation unit 50N 2W where two large boulders used as anvil/grinding stones were located. In the unit's northwest corner was a burned feature interpreted as the remains of a forge in an area where metalworking took place. The flat iron object is pointed on one end and has two rounded lobes at the other, perhaps to facilitate turning (like a key?). Its function is unknown. The object has been corroded by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 5.7 cm. Weight: 9.3 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 30 May 2009.
View across open excavations in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The photo centers on units 46N 8W (foreground) and the southern half of 48N 8W, the north wall of which (at 47N) can be seen behind the sign board. The exposed areas were excavated in 2008 and the photo taken in preparation for 2009 excavations. Traces of circular burned features, red-orange and yellow in color, can be seen in the freshly scraped surface of these units. The uppermost north arrow sits to the right (east) of the circular outline of a still-buried everted-rim jar. Another everted-jar rim can be seen exposed in the north wall at 47N. This rim and associated artifacts formed cluster B, part of a larger shrine feature (clusters A-D) that extended across the northern half of unit 48N 8W (beneath and behind the small tree trunk visible above and left of the sign board). Cluster A (unit 46N 8W) comprised a large pottery bowl surrounded by six iron bangles that was removed in 2008. It was positioned above and slightly west (left) of the burned feature (center photo) that is intersected by a tree root. Cluster B included the artifacts seen here in the north wall at 47N, together with an associated cluster of a pedestal-handled pot lid, dog skull and jaw bones revealed by further excavation beneath and west (left) of the tree stump. In the upper right of the photo (north and east), insitu anvil (GS 09-15, left) and grinding (GS 09-12, right) stones are visible in unit 50N 6W. Photo scales marked in 5 cm increments and measuring tape marks 2 m. Arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 6 June 2009.
Insitu anvil/grinding stones in excavation unit 50N 6W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. A large anvil stone (GS 09-15, foreground, left) sits next to a small stone, its lower surface worn flat by serving as a hand-held grinder. A large tree root is visible to the west of the stone, behind which is an area of unexcavated soil on top of which pottery sherds had been found (now removed). To the east and flanked by the black-and-white photo scale is the partial rim of an everted-rim jar (NK 09-749). To the north of this, a large flat grinding stone (GS 09-12) has been pedestaled in place. Photo scales marked in 5 cm increments. Arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 6 June 2009.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Provenance:
Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Unit 50N 6W, Level 4
Date:
2009-06-06
Location(s) Facet:
Ngre Kataa
Subjects:
Anvil stone; Grinding stone
Subjects Facet:
Excavations (Archaeology); Pottery; Metalworking; Iron
Insitu anvil/grinding stones in excavation unit 50N 6W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Left of center photo, a large anvil stone (GS 09-15) sits next to a small stone, its lower surface worn flat by serving as a hand-held grinder. Behind this stone is an area of unexcavated soil on top of which pottery sherds had been found (now removed). Lower foreground, flanked by the black-and-white photo scale, is the partial rim of an everted-rim jar (NK 09-749). To the north of this (right), a large flat grinding stone with a well-worn upper surface (GS 09-12) has been pedestaled in place. Visible in the southern corner of the west wall of the unit (upper left) in this photo is a flat iron disk (SF 09-159), embedded in the wall above a small stone. Photo scales marked in 5 cm increments. Arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 6 June 2009.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Provenance:
Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Unit 50N 6W, Level 4
Date:
2009-06-06
Location(s) Facet:
Ngre Kataa
Subjects:
Anvil stone; Grinding stone
Subjects Facet:
Excavations (Archaeology); Pottery; Metalworking; Iron
Insitu pottery and iron artifacts associated with clusters C and D of what archaeologists interpret as a shrine that capped stratified deposits in a metallurgical workshop. Cluster D appears in the foreground, left, below unexcavated soil remaining around the 48N 8W unit peg. Here two small stones flank a flat iron disc (SF 09-159, left) and a tri-looped iron bangle (SF 09-158, right). Cluster C is a large grouping of pottery and iron objects located north of the tree stump, center photo. Included were several whole pottery lids, a broken but mostly complete jar associated with an iron bangle (SF 09-148) and a pair of miniature iron manacles (SF 09-171). The bangle is visible, resting on a soil pedestal in front of the tree trunk's center. In the photo's upper right, a large anvil stone (GS 09-32), on which sits a yellow notebook, is visible. Flanking this stone on its western edge was a portion of an ivory tusk. Photo scale marked in 5 cm increments. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
Insitu pottery and iron artifacts associated with cluster C of what archaeologists interpret as a shrine (clusters A-D) that capped stratified deposits in a metallurgical workshop. Center photo are two large pieces of an everted-rim jar, its exterior surface facing outward. Immediately above is a large portion of the same pot, its interior surface facing outward. Found positioned against the jar's interior surface was a pair of miniature iron manacles (SF 09-171, "B"-shaped object). An iron bangle (SF 09-148) was positioned at the jar's mouth, above the manacles. To the left of the bangle is the upper edge of a large grinding stone (GS 09-26), which later excavations revealed to be oriented with its grinding surface down. To the right of the bangle, a pedestal-handled pot lid (NK 09-381) rests with its interior surface oriented upward. At center photo, bottom, a pot lid with a strap handle (NK 09-382) rests on its side. To the right of the north arrow, portions of an another pedestal-handled pot lid lie with its interior oriented upward. Photo scale at upper right marked in cm. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
Insitu pottery and iron artifacts associated with cluster C of what archaeologists interpret as a shrine (clusters A-D) that capped stratified deposits in a metallurgical workshop. Lower center of the photo are two large pieces of an everted-rim jar, its exterior surface facing outward. Immediately above is a large portion of the same pot, its interior surface facing outward. Found positioned against the jar's interior surface was a pair of miniature iron manacles (SF 09-171, "B"-shaped object). An iron bangle (SF 09-148) was positioned at the jar's mouth, above the manacles. To the left of the bangle is the upper edge of a large grinding stone (GS 09-26), which later excavations revealed to be oriented with its grinding surface down. To the right of the bangle, a pedestal-handled pot lid (NK 09-381) rests with its interior surface oriented upward. Photo scale marked in cm. View looking south. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
Excavation of a shrine cluster, two images. The image on left shows a pottery cluster, first exposed in June 2008, as it appeared on 10 June 2009. At bottom center of this image is a pedestal base, above which is a tight cluster of rim sherds. The curved sherd on the far right in this image is the outer edge of the pedestal-handled lid, which is fully exposed in the photo on the right, taken on 16 June 2009. A dog skull in a highly friable state is visible above and to the right of this lid in both photos. In the imgae on the right, an iron bangle (SF 09-219) can be seen resting in an angled position, below and left of which is a dog mandible. These were uncovered by excavation below and behind the pedestal base seen in the picture on the left. Photo scale marked in 5 cm increments. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 and 16 June 2009.
Two views of insitu anvil/grinding stones in excavation unit 50N 6W, part of an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. In the photo looking northward (arrows point north), a large anvil stone (GS 09-15, foreground, left) sits next to a small stone, its lower surface worn flat by serving as a hand-held grinder. A large tree root is visible to the west of the stone, behind which is an area of unexcavated soil on top of which pottery sherds had been found (now removed). To the east and flanked by the black-and-white photo scale is the partial rim of an everted-rim jar (NK 09-749). To the north of this, a large flat grinding stone (GS 09-12) has been pedestaled in place. In the view looking west, the well-worn upper surface of this narrow stone can be seen. Visible in the southern corner of the west wall of the unit (upper left) in this photo is a flat iron disc (SF 09-159), embedded in the wall above a small stone. Further excavation showed that this disc was part of an object cluster that included a tri-looped iron bangle and interpreted as part of a shrine. Photo scales marked in 5 cm increments. Arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 6 June 2009.
An insitu iron bangle (SF 09-132) made from a flattened iron rod with overlapping ends. The bangle occurred as an isolated find in the upper levels of an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Photo scales marked in 5 cm increments. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 6 June 2009.
An iron bangle (SF 09-132) made from a flattened iron rod with overlapping ends. One end of the bangle is bent inward. The bangle occurred as an isolated find in the upper levels of an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The bangle has been corroded by rusting. Scale in cm. Width: 7.9 cm. Weight: 25.6 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 6 June 2009.
Insitu pottery and iron artifacts associated with clusters B and C of what archaeologists interpret as a shrine that capped stratified deposits in a metallurgical workshop. Cluster B encompassed the objects on the south (right) side of the photo, west of (below) the tree stump. To the right of the black-and-white photo stick (lower right) is an iron spike (SF 09-174), a half bangle (SF 09-173) and a slightly curved iron disc (SF 09-172) in a carefully placed composition. Immediately to the east (above in the photo), an aglomeration of pottery sherds is stacked. Later excavation revealed a pedestal-handled pottery lid, dog skull and jaw bones carefully placed below these sherds in cluster B. Cluster C encompassed the artifacts to the north (left) of the tree stump. These included a series of pottery lids, portions of single pottery jar and sherds from other pots. An iron bangle (SF 09-148) is visible above and slightly left of the top photo scale, sitting adjacent to a pottery lid (NK 09-381) lying with its interior surface up. This wider shrine assemblage overlaid burned features associated with metalworking activities. Black-and-white photo scale in 5 cm increments. Arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
A curved, tanged iron blade (brɔfiɛn in Nafaanra), slightly shouldered at the base (right), with a short narrow tang for the purpose of hafting to a wood handle. The tool shows signs of corrosion. The artfiact was excavated from a house mound. Scale in cm. Length: 19.1 cm. Weight: 54.7 g. Ngre Kataa, 4 June, 2009.
Miniature iron shackles (manacles). The artifact was excavated from a context that archaeologists interpret as a shrine located in metallurgical workshop. The shrine included many pottery jars and lids, iron bangles and other objects. The miniature shackles were placed inside a pottery jar, which was found lying on its side and broken. The shackles have been corroded by rust. Scale in cm. Width: 7.4 cm. Weight: 16.1 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 9-10 June, 2009.
Iron projectile point, the head of which (left) has a rounded base. Two small barbs project from the point's long tang. To make an arrow (snini in Nafaanra), the tang was inserted into a straight shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood to which it was hafted. This artifact was found in an area that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop, in the vicintiy of anvil and grinding stones and features interpreted as forges. The projectile point shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 15.2 cm. Weight: 16 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 4 June, 2009.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Provenance:
Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Unit 50N 6W, Level 5. Piece plot 68-79 cm S, 22-23 cm W, 110 cmbd
Triangular-headed iron projectile point with squared base (left) and long tang (right). To make an arrow (snini in Nafaanra), the tang was inserted into a straight shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood to which it was hafted. This artifact was excavated from what archaeologists interpret as a house mound. It shows signs of corrosion by rust. Scale in cm. Length: 9.6 cm. Weight: 12.6 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 3 June, 2009.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Provenance:
Ngre Kataa, Mound 7, Unit 10N 30E, Level 6. Piece plot, 44 cm S, 127 cm W, 76 cmbd
Iron projectile point. The head (left) is asymmetrical, perhaps the result of its base being broken. The intact side of the base is shouldered. Two small barbs protrude from opposite sides of the point's long tang (right). To make an arrow, the tang would have been inserted into a shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood. This point was found in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The artifact has been corroded by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 10.1 cm. Weight: 8.9 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 4 June, 2009.
Asymmetrical barbed iron projectile point with a bent shaft. This artifact was found in an area that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. It was found near--and may have been part of--a large cluster of objects interpreted as a shrine. The (partial?) point has been corroded by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 9.1 cm. Weight: 11.3 g. Site Ngre Kataa, 6 July 2009.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Provenance:
Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Unit 48N 8W, Level 6. Piece plot, 5 cm S, 5 cm W, 102 cm bd
Tanged iron blade with pointed tip (left) and rounded shoulders. Two large concretions adhere to the blade's corroded surface. The tang (right) would have allowed the blade to be hafted to a wooden or bamboo shaft or handle. If hafted to a long shaft, it may have been used as a spear (chombo in Nafaanra). This artifact was found closely associated with a copper alloy twinned figurine, an iron bangle, a rounded quartz pebble and several other objects, which archaeologists interpret as a shrine cluster. The cluster was placed among metal-working features in a metallurgical workshop. Scale in cm. Length: 8.6 cm. Weight: 12.6 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 19 July 2008.
A circular iron bangle, made from a rounded iron rod with abutting ends (bottom of photo). The bangle's surface is corroded by rust. This artifact was found closely associated with a copper alloy twinned figurine, a tanged iron blade, a rounded quartz pebble and several other objects, which archaeologists interpret as a shrine cluster. The cluster was placed among metal-working features in a metallurgical workshop.Scale in cm. Maximum diameter: 8.1 cm. Weight: 75 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 19 July 2008.
Triangular-headed iron projectile point with a barb at the head's base (left) and a long tang (right). To make an arrow (snini in Nafaanra), the tang was inserted into a straight shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood to which it was hafted. This artifact was found in an area (mound 7) that archaeologists interpret as a house mound. The projectile point shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 9 cm. Weight: 9.2 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 7 July, 2008.
Iron projectile point with an asymmetrical head (left), a single barbed at the base of the head and a small barb on the opposite side along the tang. To make an arrow, the long tang (right) would have been inserted into a shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood. This artifact was found in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The point has been corroded by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 15.2 cm. Weight: 13.7 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 2 June 2009.
Triangular-headed iron projectile point with a single barb at the base of its head (left) and a long thin tang (right). To make an arrow (snini in Nafaanra), the tang was inserted into a shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood to which it was hafted. The artifact shows signs of corrosion. The point was excavated from a deep midden mound in an disturbed by a pig burrow. Scale in cm. Length: 12.4 cm. Weight: 14.2 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 25 June, 2008.
Triangular-headed projectile point with barbs on either side of the head's base (left). Its long tang (right) is bent. To make an arrow (snini in Nafaanra), the tang was inserted into a straight shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood to which it was hafted. This artifact was found in an area that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The projectile point shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 9.8 cm. Weight: 10.2 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 5 July, 2008.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Provenance:
Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Unit 44N 6W, Level 3; piece plot: 67-71 cm S, 142-156 W
A piece of a copper alloy (brass) bar, found in association with burned features that archaeologists interpret as linked to metalworking (left: side view; right, end views). The bar is square in cross-section (right). One end appears finished and has a slight circular depression or dimple (bottom right). The other end (top right) is jagged and appears to be broken from a longer bar. The artifact was recovered from soil associated with an amorphous burned feature, underneath which were a series of burned basins likely created by forging activities. The object is similar in appearance to brass bars known from the Ma'adin Ijafen cache of brass ingots documented by Theodore Monod in eastern Mauritania in the 1960s. As such, this may be the form in which metalworkers got the copper alloys that were worked at the site. Length: 1.7 cm. Weight: 2.8 g. Scale in cm. Site Ngre Kataa. 25 June 2009.
A cluster of burned features is exposed in the northwest corner of excavation unit 50N 8W in an area interpreted by archaeologists as a metallurgical workshop (mound 6). Along the unit's west wall (left in photo) is an amorphous zone of fire-hardened red (Munsell color 2.5YR 3/6) matrix. A piece of brass bar (SF NK 09-293) was found in soil associated with this burned feature. Above and to the right (northeast), two circular burned features are visible in outline. These basin-shaped features had a thin lining of fire-hardened sediment, red to dark red (Munsell 2.5 YR 3/6 & 4/8) in color. The basins were filled with loose ashy sediment and small pieces of charcoal. A sample of burned matrix from feature 1 (top right basin) yielded a thermoluminescence (TL) age estimate of 1500 +/- 40 CE (Univ. Wash. 2455). Further excavation revealed additional basin-shaped features beneath the amorphous burned feature. The excavation unit's northwest corner peg is visible, upper left. View looking north. Site Ngre Kataa. 27 June 2009.
A cluster of burned basin-shaped features is exposed in the northwest corner of unit 50N 8W in an area interpreted by archaeologists as a metallurgical workshop (mound 6). The basins comprised a thin layer of fire-hardened sediment, red to dark red (Munsell colors 2.5 YR 3/6 & 4/8) in color. Basin features 1 (top right) and 2 (left of feature 1) measured about 8-9 cm deep and were filled with ashy soil. Basin feature 5 (far left) was shallower. Its fire-hardened surface showed a pinkish tinge. Samples of burned basin matrix from features 1 and 5 yielded thermoluminescence (TL) age estimates of 1500 +/- 40 CE (feature 1; Univ. Wash. 2455) and 1580 +/- 40 CE (feature 5; Univ. Wash. 2456). Photo bar marked in 5 cm increments. Arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 29 June 2009.
A boulder used as an anvil stone (GS 09-07) sits insitu in an excavated area interpreted as a metallurgical workshop. A black-and-white photo scale stick stands vertically against it. The boulder's upper surface shows signs of use wear and its north-facing side is marked by a cup-shaped depression that resulted from repeated use. To the north (left), a fist-sized hammer stone (GS 09-09) rests insitu on a pedestal of soil left in place as the unit was excavated. Two stones showing evidence of use as grinding stones sit nearby, a north arrow placed by one(GS 09-10; center photo) and one in the southwest corner of the excavation unit (GS 09-08; bottom right). Another insitu anvil stone (GS 09-6) sits in the northeast corner of an adjacent excavation unit (48N 0W; top right of photo). The narrow band of loose soil angled across the southwest corner of the excavation was created by a burrowing animal. Photo stick and small arrow scale in 5 cm intervals. Photo scale arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 2 June 2009.
A boulder used as an anvil stone (GS 09-01) sits insitu in an excavated area interpreted as a metallurgical workshop. This was one of several boulders associated with burned features and other residues of metalworking. The boulder's upper surface showed signs of use wear and its south-facing side is marked by a deep cup-shaped depression that resulted from repeated use. A burned feature interpreted as the remains of a forge is visible behind the anvil stone (upper left) in the northwest corner of excavation unit 50N 2W. Flat photo scale in cm. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 1 June 2009.
Excavations uncovered three insitu boulders placed in a row that were used as anvil stones in an area interpreted as a metallurgical workshop. Multiple surfaces of the boulders show signs of wear caused by hammering and grinding. Repeated use of the anvil stone in the foreground (GS 09-03) has created a clear depression on its upper surface and its left side is flattened by wear. The middle anvil stone (GS 09-02) has multiple depressions created by use on its upper surface. The anvil in the rear of the photo (GS 09-01) shows wear on its top and side surfaces, with dirt still embedded in a deep cup-shaped depression on its south-facing side in this photo. To the east (right) of the boulder in foreground, the flat surface of a grinding stone (GS 09-04) is visible in the east wall of the excavation unit. A broken pedestal base of a pot sits on its side to the east (right) of the middle anvil stone. In the upper left corner of the photo, a burned feature interpreted by archaeologists as the remains of a forge has been exposed. The red-and-white band above the photo sign is a two meter scale, marked in 10 cm increments. View looking north across two exavation units: 50N 2W (top of photo) and 48N 2W (bottom of photo). The 2x2m units have been excavated to slightly different depths. Site Ngre Kataa. 1 June, 2009.
A flat, thin iron disk. The object is corroded by rust. Its function is unknown. The disc was found in close association with a large anvil or grinding stone and adjacent to a distinctive pottery vessel and a smaller, irregularly shaped piece of flat iron (SF 09-171). This group of objects was located within an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Scale in cm. Width: 9.4 cm. Thickness: .2 cm. Weight: 49.3 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 4 July 2009.
A flat, irregularly shaped iron with circular depression. The object is corroded by rust and its original form and function are unknown. It was found in close association with a large anvil or grinding stone (GS 09-15), a circular iron disk (SF 09-370) and a distinctive pottery vessel (NK 09-787). This group of objects was located within an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Scale in cm. Width: 5.7 cm. Thickness: .2 cm. Weight: 9 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 4 July 2009.
Interior view (left) and exterior view (right) of a partial pottery jar. The pot was found insitu near an anvil/grinding stone in an area interpreted by archaeologists as a metallurgical workshop. The jar's everted rim is rounded (right, top). Its exterior surface (right, bottom) shows evidence of layering, with an upper layer of clay added to a leather-hard lower layer before the pot was fired. The pot's walls are thicker than typical domestic pottery. Its find location suggests that it was probably made for an industrial rather than domestic purpose (possible pot bellow?). Dark smudging on the exterior surface affected both the upper and lower layers of clay, implying that it was exposed to high heat in a reducing atmosphere after manufacture. Striations on the vessel's interior (left) are the result of smoothing and forming during manufacture, with a small area of post-manufacture smudging visible (upper left). The vessel's ceramic fabric is tempered with laterite and crushed slag inclusions. It was found in close association with an anvil/grinding stone (GS 09-15), a circular iron disc (SF 09-370) and an irregularly shaped flat piece of iron (SF 09-371). Intact rim's diameter (exterior lip): 13.5 cm. Photo scale in cm. Site Ngre Kataa. 4 July 2009.
The southeast corner of excavation unit 50N 0W in mound 6 shows stratified layers that accumulated in an area interpreted as a metallurgical workshop (mound 6). An anvil stone (top of photo; GS 09-06) is pedestaled insitu in the adjacent excavation unit (48N 0W). This stone was found immediately below the mound's top surface. A smaller grinding/anvil stone is visible in the east wall of unit 50N 0W, at a depth of one meter below. Burned orange-red lenses that archaeologists interpret as features associated with processing metals are visible in the strata between the stones. Evidence suggests that these layers built up through repeated use of this location for metalworking activities. Stadia rod numbered intervals of 10 cm. View looking south. Site Ngre Kataa. 9 July 2009.
The south wall of excavation unit 50N 0W in mound 6 shows stratified layers that accumulated in an area interpreted as a metallurgical workshop. An anvil stone (GS 09-06; left of the sign board) is pedestaled insitu in the adjacent excavation unit (48N 0W). Other pedestaled grinding stones are visible to the right and behind the sign board. These stones were found just below the mound's top surface. A smaller grinding/anvil stone is visible in the east wall of unit 50N 0W, at a depth of one meter below the anvil stone. Burned orange-red lenses that archaeologists interpret as features associated with processing metals are visible in the strata between the stones. Ashy lenses are visible in the south and west walls. Evidence suggests that these layers built up through repeated use of this location for metalworking activities. Width of unit: 2 meters. Site Ngre Kataa. 9 July 2009.
View across four excavation units, looking west across an area interpreted as a metallurgical workshop. An anvil stone (GS 09-01) sits insitu in the foreground in unit 50N 2W. In the northwest corner of the same unit (below the roll of red flagging tape, right), the remains of a partially excavated burned feature interpreted as a forge are visible. A pottery jar (NK 09-686), lidded with a broken rounded base of another pot, is visible in the next unit (50N 4W). It sits adjacent to another burned feature in the unit's northwest corner (behind the pot, not visible in this photo). The jar is overlaid by another burned feature (visible as a layer of orange soil). A second pot (NK 09-685), to the left of the first, is covered by a flat stone (GS 09-13) whose lower surface shows evidence of grinding. A larger flat U-shaped grinding stone (GS 09-12) sits insitu atop a soil pedestal in the northeast corner of the next unit (50N 6W). To the south (left) of the stones, a partially exposed jar rim (NK 09-749) is visible close to the eastern edge of unit 50N 6W). Behind it, a large anvil/grinding stone (GS 09-15; faintly visible because it blends into the surrounding soil color) is partially exposed, with a smaller hammer/grinding stone (GS 09-16) sitting in front and left (south) of the large stone. A smaller grinding stone (GS 09-19; upper left of photo) has been pedestaled insitu in the farthest unit (50N 8W). Subsequent excavations in unit 50N 8W revealed a series of burned features in its northwest corner. A two meter yellow tape is extended along the edge of unit 50N 4W (right). Site Ngre Kataa. 24 June 2009.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Provenance:
Ngre Kataa, Mound 6, Units 50N, 2 to 8 W, various levels