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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Iron Smelting and Interethnic Conflict among Precolonial Maa-Speaking Pastoralists of North-Central Kenya |
Author: | Larick, Roy |
Year: | 1986 |
Periodical: | African Archaeological Review |
Volume: | 4 |
Pages: | 165-176 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Kenya |
Subjects: | ethnic relations iron and steel industry Anthropology and Archaeology Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) |
External link: | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01117040 |
Abstract: | This paper investigates the location of Loikop (Samburu or Maa-speakers) smelting sites in Samburu District, Kenya. It suggests that smelting debris provides evidence for the movements of herders and foragers as well as blacksmiths, during the late precolonial period. Smelting sites are found in two distinct locales: a majority in the lowlands at mountain bases or plains oases, and a minority on low mountain ridges Lowland sites would offer direct access to the natural and human resources required for smelting ores, forging iron, and exchanging finished implements. The location of the ridgetop sites, however, makes these resources less accessible. Descendants of the last Loikop smelters suggest that precolonial blacksmiths may periodically have resettled in mountains to improve security while continuing their craft in the face of intense interethnic conflict. The conflict hypothesis is evaluated against oral traditions and archaeological evidence. Bibliogr., note, sum. in English and French. |