Tag Archives: Senegal

Ancient Iron Smelting Workshop Discovered in Senegal: A 2,400-Year-Old Archaeological Find

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Excavations at the Dide West 1 site in eastern Senegal have revealed a remarkably preserved iron smelting workshop, which was constructed between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD and was active for nearly eight centuries.

A pile of tuyeres discovered at Dide West 1 in Senegal. Image credit: Ann Mayer.

In Europe, the Iron Age is typically defined as spanning from approximately 800 BC to the conclusion of the 1st century AD, but these timeframes vary significantly across the globe.

The earliest indications of iron production are believed to trace back to the second millennium BC in regions like Anatolia (present-day Türkiye) and the Caucasus.

“The iron smelting workshop at the Dide Ouest 1 site in Senegal provides valuable insights into the development of iron metallurgy in West Africa,” stated UNIGE archaeologist Melissa Morel and her research team.

The workshop features a substantial accumulation of nearly 100 tons of slag, around 30 used tuyeres (earthen pipes that channel air into the furnace) semicircularly arranged, and 35 circular furnace bases approximately 30 cm deep.

This iron production likely catered to local demands, particularly for crafting agricultural tools.

“Due to its exceptional preservation, historical significance, duration of use, and unique technical characteristics, this site stands out,” remarked Dr. Morel.

“This offers a rare opportunity to analyze the continuity and evolution of iron smelting technologies over time.”

“At Dide West 1, the layout, furnace structure, and waste materials reveal a tradition identified as FAL02.”

“This type of furnace includes a small circular design with a removable chimney and large clay tuyeres.”

“A significant feature of these tuyeres is their multi-outlet design, which connects small openings to the main channel via vertical side ducts, enabling optimal air distribution to the furnace base.”

“Another notable aspect is the innovative use of palm kernel seeds as packing at the furnace bottom—a method not previously documented.”

“Despite its prolonged operation, this workshop’s traditions have shown remarkable stability, with only minor technical modifications,” said Dr. Anne Mayol, archaeologist at UNIGE and the Institute for Global Studies.

“This continuity stands in contrast to metallurgical practices in other African contexts, underscoring the importance of understanding the technical and cultural decisions made by early iron producers.”

The team’s research paper was published in the African Archaeology Review.

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M. Morel et al. Early and long-term evolution of iron smelting technology at Dide West 1, Fareme Valley, eastern Senegal. African Archaeology Review, published online March 25, 2026. doi: 10.1007/s10437-026-09653-z

Source: www.sci.news

Rare giant pangolin found in Senegal after 24-year absence

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This giant pangolin was caught on camera on March 8, 2023 in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal.

Panthera/DPN

A giant pangolin has been spotted in Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park for the first time in 24 years, reviving hopes that the endangered animal still survives in the country.

“No one thought pangolins were still alive. [this park]” Muhammadu Modi Ndiaye At wildlife monitoring group Panthera.

Giant pangolin (Smutcha GiganteaThe pangolin, the only one of four African pangolin species found in Senegal, previously inhabited a wide area of ​​forests and savannas from Senegal to western Kenya. But in recent decades, the scaly mammal's population has declined due to poaching for its meat and scales, as well as extensive deforestation. The report says: Over 8 million pangolins They were poached in West and Central Africa between 2014 and 2021, making them one of the most commonly trafficked animals in the world.

Giant pangolins are shy, solitary and nocturnal, so you probably won't see them outside their burrows. The last time a giant pangolin was captured and officially identified was in Senegal in April 1967. Thirty years later, two were found during an ecological survey. Since then, conservationists have not seen a single giant pangolin.

That was until he was photographed walking slowly across a dry riverbed at 1:37 a.m. on March 8, 2023. Snapshot was captured The image was captured by one of 217 research camera traps scattered across more than 4,000 square kilometres of Niokolo Koba National Park.

“I was so excited when I saw the baby pangolin,” Ndiaye said.

The sighting suggests that Niokolo-Koba National Park could become the last bastion for pangolin monitoring and conservation in Senegal, according to the report. Alan D.T. Muafo Researchers from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Pangolin Specialist Group have produced a report on surveying pangolin habitat and identifying its habitat, which he says is particularly important as there are many areas where “local extinction” is suspected, where pangolins are no longer active.

“This sighting is a ray of hope for pangolins' survival in West Africa and could help raise public awareness of their plight,” Muafo said, adding that he hopes it marks a “turning point for new conservation efforts.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com