Archaeometallurgical investigation of iron production technology in Butiru, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

The archaeometallurgical investigation of iron production technology in Butiru eastern Uganda was guided by four specific objectives were; to characterise the archaeological assemblage, examine the technological features and processes of iron production and iron working, establish the chronological sequence and explain the environmental characteristics associated with iron production in the area. Using an archaeological research design and an archaeometallurgical approach, the study examined the technology employed in the iron production process. Data was collected using archaeological surveys and excavation, ethnoarchaeological interviews, and participant observation. Additionally, dating and environmental samples were collected and physical attributes of cultural materials were analysed. Samples for dating yielded a radiocarbon date of 1526-1386 BP which translates to 424-564 cal AD for Bubwayo and Bumulumeti dated 1395-1444 AD which translates to 555-506 cal BP Drawing on the two theories of chaine operatoire and practice, the study reveals that iron production technology in Butiru was a two-stage process involving the smelting of ore and smithing of the final product. An analysis of the tuyeres suggests a slag-tapping technology. Additionally, the furnaces recovered in the production process were the small standing shallow type, an indication that they were most likely used only once. Dating of samples revealed that while some areas like Bubwayo fall within the Early Iron Age (EIA) between 424 and 564 AD while others namely Bumulumeti, Bumufuni and Khatsonga fall in the Late Iron Age (LIA) period between 1395-1444 cal AD. Therefore, iron production has continued in contemporary society with the exclusion of smelting, and the raw materials currently in use are scrap metals acquired from abandoned old vehicles and garden tools. The study enriches archaeological knowledge of iron production in the region. The dates give precise periodisation of the sites and more insight into the technology used in a decentralised setting compared to the information acquired from the areas with centralised systems.