Tin mining and smelting in the Transvaal during the Iron Age

Abstract

This paper reviews the historical, archaeological, and metallurgical evidence on Iron Age tin mining and tin smelting in Southern Africa. The results of the analysis of twenty samples of tin ore, tin slag, and tin ingots found associated with Iron Age materials in the Transvaal (mostly in the Rooiberg area) are reported and discussed. The types of ingots preserved in local collections are descriptionbed. A small experimental tin-smelting furnace was constructed and worked according to traditional African Iron Age technology. Qualitative and quantitative results of this experiment are reported.

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