Iron Age Archaeology in Lejja, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is a report on research conducted at the iron smelting site of Lejja, in South Eastern Nigeria. One of the main objectives of the excavations was to recover data that would help to quantify the scale and scope of the remains of an iron smelting industry in the area; establish the kiln or furnace structure and determine the position of the tuyeres in the furnace to ascertain and document as much as possible, the iron working processes in Lejja. New furnace types which have not been reported anywhere else before were uncovered. Charcoal samples from the excavations were dated to 4005 + 40 BP (over 2000 years BC). Finally, potsherds were also collected from the area around Otobo Dunoka, Lejja and a reconnaissance of other smelting sites in Lejja was carried out. Finally, some ethnographic research was carried out in order to document various activities of the people of Lejja which may help in our understanding of the past.