Feb 18 / Iron Age: Dokwasa / The Last Iron Master

 

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Unit: Iron Age

Theme: Dokwasa / The Last Iron Master

 

Introduction

The Iron Age is the final epoch of the three-age division of the prehistory and protohistory of humanity. It was preceded by the Stone Age and the Bronze Age. The concept has been mostly applied to Iron Age Europe and the Ancient Near East, but also, by analogy, to other parts of the Old World (1200 BC - 550 BC). 

 

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 Learning Objectives

 

• Understand why the Bantu migration was so important
• Explain the role of dance withing the iron smelting process 
• Gain an awareness of the function of a smelting master within a large ritual context
  
• Experience the creation of a three act dance/performance in which you re-enact the three stages of the smelting process
  

 

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Main Lesson

1

Nok Culture / Iron Age

 

The Iron Age is the final epoch of the three-age division of the prehistory and protohistory of humanity. It was preceded by the Stone Age and the Bronze Age. The concept has been mostly applied to Iron Age Europe and the Ancient Near East, but also, by analogy, to other parts of the Old World. Although, the Sahel (Sudan region) and Sub-Saharan Africa are outside of the three-age system, there was no Bronze Age in Sub-Saharan Africa, the term "Iron Age" is sometimes used in reference to early cultures practicing iron-working, such as the Nok culture of Nigeria from 1500 BC to 500 AD. North Africa experienced the Copper and Bronze Ages, but Sub-Saharan Africa is believed to have skipped both these ages. Evidence suggests that Sub-Saharan Africa was introduced to iron metallurgy by the migration of Bantu-speaking peoples into east and southern Africa. The Bantu group was the larges group brought to the Caribbean, specifically Cuba.

The Nok culture is a population whose material remains are named after the Ham village of Nok in Kaduna State of Nigeria, where their terracotta sculptures were first discovered in 1928. Based on evidence from the sites of Nok archaeological culture, such as considerable quantities of charcoal layered among Nok sculptures, goods (e.g., technically crafted ceramics, numerous stone-beaded necklaces) found in burial pits that support the view of them serving as grave sites, difference in soil coloring of burial pits and their immediate geographic area, and burial pits containing materials from organic substances, this supports the conclusion that Nok sculptures were part of a complex funerary culture.

Latter artistic traditions of West Africa – Bura of Niger (3rd century CE – 10th century CE), Koma of Ghana (7th century CE – 15th century CE), Igbo-Ukwu of Nigeria (9th century CE – 10th century CE), Jenne-Jeno of Mali (11th century CE – 12th century CE), and Ile Ife of Nigeria (11th century CE – 15th century CE) – may have been shaped by the earlier West African clay terracotta tradition of the Nok culture.

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Reading 

 Bantu Migration

 LINK

https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Historical_Encyclopedia_of_World_Sla/ATq5_6h2AT0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=The%20meaning%20of%20the%20christian%20cross%20for%20Bantu%20people&pg=RA1-PA69&printsec=frontcover

The Historical Encyclopedia of World Slavery (1997). Volume 1. Junius P. Rodriguez (Editor). ABC-CLIO, (page 69).

 

Question 1

Why was the Bantu migration important for the rest of Africa?

 

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Case Study

Dokwasa / Last of the African Iron Master

Borrowed from Nicholas David

Dokwaza: Last of the African Iron Masters (1988; 49 mins)

This is the first of three films on the relationship of African material culture to its larger socio-cultural context made between 1986 and 2010 as a part of the Mandara (Ethno)archaeological Project directed by Nic David and mainly supported by the SSHRC. Filmed at the beginning of a period of rapid technological advances in videography, the quality of the images is now an embarrassment, but the content remains of anthropological value. Iron metallurgy began to transform the societies of sub-Saharan Africa over 2,500 years ago, but locally smelted bloomery iron has now been everywhere replaced by industrially produced stock. 

 

Traditional smelting is a complex process combining science and ritual that was disappearing just as it became feasible to capture it on visual media. This video therefore provides a rare record of a technology whose time has passed, and the reenactment of a smelt by iron workers of the Mafa ethnic group shows a furnace type and a process that are unique to a part of the northern Cameroon and Nigerian border area. 

 

Presented in three sequences (see the outline bellow), Dokwaza is first introduced as we follow the building of the furnace and bellows. Then charcoal and bellows skins are prepared. and the iron master demonstrates how ore is gathered and cleaned. The second sequence follows the long day of the smelt, as the furnace is charged with ore and charcoal, sacrifice made, and, after frenzied working of the bellows accompanied by music and song, a bloom mass is removed from the shaft. The third sequence takes place in the forge and shows the fining of the metal produced and its forging into a traditional hoe.

 

 

CONTENT

1. Construction of the furnace

a) Choosing a site for the furnace

b) Initial prayer and offering 

c) Digging the base of the furnace shaft 

d) Burying a charm beneath the shaft

e) Building the facade

e) Calling of God and the ancestors

f) Bellows are set on the platform

g) sheep skin to create the bags for the bellows

h) Building the Shield

i) Magic decorations

j) Seven day - Ensemble the bellows

k) Adding protective herbs, selection of charcoal

l) collecting magnetite and iron oxide

m) Fire is lit within the shaft

Question 2

Name the instances in which worship and sacred practices are used in this part of the ritual. What would you say is their function?

2. The Smelt

a) Pouring a libation to the Gods

b) Installing upstick with sacred tuber

c) Bellows are readied 

d) Consecration of the smelt

e) War dance (min. 25:00)

f) Prayer with ore and magic herbs down the shaft

g)  Music is played for the first time using the bellows.

h) Offering

i) Blood offering to the ancestors (min. 28:00)

j) Removing  the fused

k) Insertion of medicine plant

l) Monitoring of flame by iron master

m) Bellows stop and cutting through the sides of the shaft

n) Revealing the bloom

o) Bloom is carried to the compound

Question 3

How important is the war dance in this second part of the smelting process compared to other sacred elements of the ritual? Explain. 

3. The Forge

a) Prayer

b) Picking out the metal droplets and lumps

c) Iron is crushed and broken

d) Creation of crucibles

e) Playing the bellows

f) The crucibles are filled with bits iron 

g) Placing crucible in the fire

h) Compacting the iron in the crucible

i) Pulling semi-molten mass from the fire

j) Drawing the iron into a small mass

k) Pieces are welded together

l) Hammering to flatten

m) The blade is spread

n) Quench to give blade the right angle

o) Final touches

(The highlighted items are relate to ritual practice). 

Question 4

The last part of the process seems to include the sacred element only at the beginning. Speculate why this part of the ritual is different from the rest in that sense?

 

What does dance have to do with Master Dokwasa's iron smelting ritual?

 

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A Note to Remember

 

The African nations that became part of the cultural makeup of our continent as a result of the slave trade brought with them their culture, their gods and their dances.

 

 

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Discussion Questions

 

 5. Which part of the process impressed you the most? Why?

6. What is the role of dance and ritual in the smelting process?

7. What is the difference between Dokwaza, the iron master, and a shaman?

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Activity 1

Take notes and write a 5 paragraph essay as the story of Dokwasa 

develops. Use the discussion questions above as an outline. Add an intro and a conclusion.

 

 

 Activity 2

 

So far, you have recreated ritual dances in the subjunctive mood.

This is the first time you see a ritual actually performed within the context of and actual prehistoric activity, the smelting of iron.

Create a three act dance/performance in which you re-enact the three stages of the smelting process: Construction of the Furnace, The Smelt and The Forge.

Use 8 moves for each one of the stages by creating a phase for each.  Turn the three phrases into a dance/performance.

 Students making up, record and post your phrase on Discussion Board.

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Journaling

 

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Glossary

 

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Often colloquially pronounced 'shirk,' the SSHRC is a federal research-funding agency that promotes and supports post-secondary research and training in the humanities and social sciences.

Mafa people:  an ethnic group that lives in huts in various villages,  unique to a part of the northern Cameroon and Nigerian border area. The Mafa, also called Mafahay, are scattered in other countries like Mali, Chad, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone.

 

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Sources

 

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Students' Work 

Bradley Merschman

Question 1: Why was the Bantu migration important for the rest of Africa?

The Bantu migration spread important skills like farming and iron-working across Africa. It helped introduce iron smelting, which made farming tools and weapons stronger. It also spread new languages, social structures, and religious practices throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Question 2: Name the instances in which worship and sacred practices are used in this part of the ritual. What would you say is their function?

• Choosing the furnace site: A sacred decision for success.

• Initial prayer and offering: To ask for divine help.

• Burying a charm: For protection.

• Calling of ancestors: To honor them and ask for their guidance.

• Libation and blood offerings: To show respect and receive blessings.

• Music and song: To connect with the divine.

Question 3: How important is the war dance in this second part of the smelting process compared to other sacred elements of the ritual? Explain.

The war dance is very important because it symbolizes strength, energy, and connection to ancestors. It’s more dynamic than other rituals and marks a key moment in the smelting process. It’s like an offering of power to help the iron transformation succeed.

Question 4: The last part of the process seems to include the sacred element only at the beginning. Speculate why this part of the ritual is different from the rest in that sense?

The last part is more focused on refining the metal, so it becomes less spiritual and more technical. Once the iron is made, there’s less need for the same spiritual rituals, and the focus shifts to shaping the tool, like a hoe.

What does dance have to do with Master Dokwasa's iron smelting ritual?

Dance is important because it channels energy and connects the smelting work to the spiritual world. It’s part of the ritual that links physical labor with spiritual help, making the smelting process more sacred.

Discussion Questions:

5. Which part of the process impressed you the most? Why?

The construction of the furnace impressed me the most. The rituals involved in setting it up show how deeply connected the work is to spiritual beliefs.

6. What is the role of dance and ritual in the smelting process?

Dance and ritual are used to connect the physical work with the spiritual world. They bring blessings and ensure the smelting process goes well.

7. What is the difference between Dokwaza, the iron master, and a shaman?

Dokwaza is an expert in iron smelting and also performs spiritual rituals, like a shaman. However, while shamans usually focus on healing and guiding a community, Dokwaza’s work is focused on making iron tools, though both combine practical and spiritual roles.

Essay: 

The Iron Age represents a major turning point in human history, marked by the widespread use of iron to create tools and weapons. This new material provided humans with stronger, more durable resources, which supported the growth of agriculture, craftsmanship, and more complex societies. Although much of Africa did not experience a Bronze Age, cultures like the Nok and groups like the Bantu-speakers excelled in ironworking. One of the most fascinating examples of traditional African iron smelting comes from the Mafa people, through the work of the iron master Dokwaza, whose methods and rituals offer a glimpse into ancient technological and spiritual practices.

The process of building the furnace and preparing the materials shows how physical labor and spiritual practices were tightly interwoven. On the first day, the furnace base was dug and prayers were offered, burying a charm beneath the shaft for spiritual protection. The structure was carefully built using layers of stone and dobb, a mixture of clay and straw. Over several days, Dokwaza measured and raised the shaft, installed the stone lintel, and plastered the furnace with additional layers of clay. The shield was crafted and decorated with symbolic images, and sheep skins were fashioned into bellows for airflow. After days of drying, final preparations involved collecting magnetite ore, cleaning it, and gathering specific types of charcoal. Finally, with offerings and prayers complete, the smelt began, leading to the extraction of iron bloom and the forging of new tools.

Religious elements played a critical role throughout the smelting process. At every major stage—choosing the furnace site, building the shaft, starting the fire—prayers were made and offerings were given. The creation of the shield with spikes symbolized strength, and Dokwaza honored his lineage by placing a figure of his father on the structure. During the smelt, a libation was poured, sacred herbs were used to bless the ore, and music filled the air to energize the bellows. The war dance at the height of the smelt embodied the spiritual fervor needed to call forth the iron. Blood offerings to ancestors were essential to gain their favor, illustrating that the act of creating iron was not just technical but deeply sacred.

Community involvement was also essential to Dokwaza’s work. Although he was the master smelter, many roles were filled by family and neighbors. Children gathered dobb for building, while skilled potters crafted the bellows and crucibles. Other members helped collect charcoal and magnetite. Rituals and dances were performed together, fostering unity and shared purpose. Dokwaza was a figure of authority like a shaman, blending technical skill with spiritual leadership, but the process itself was a communal endeavor where everyone contributed physically and spiritually to the success of the smelt.

Tthe iron smelting tradition practiced by Dokwaza reflects a beautiful harmony of science, spirituality, and community. The precision with which the smelt was performed reveals a sophisticated understanding of materials and techniques, even without formal scientific theory. As someone interested in history and anthropology, I find it inspiring to see how ancient peoples combined their knowledge, faith, and social bonds to achieve remarkable technological feats. It reminds us that innovation often relies not only on intelligence but also on deep respect for tradition and collective effort.

Ann Ceballo

Why was the Bantu migration important for the rest of Africa?

- The Bantu migration, beginning around 1000 BCE, significantly shaped Africa's cultural and social landscape. As Bantu-speaking groups spread across sub-Saharan Africa, they introduced advanced agricultural techniques and ironworking, boosting local economies. This migration led to increased population densities, the formation of new societies, and the emergence of powerful kingdoms and trade networks, fostering a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity that remains influential in Africa today. Ultimately, the Bantu migration was pivotal in shaping the continent's historical development.

Questions 2
Name the instances in which worship and sacred practices are used in this part of the ritual. What would you say is their function?

- In "Dokwasa / Last of the African Iron Master," worship and sacred practices include offerings to ancestors, prayers, chants, ritual gestures, and the use of sacred spaces. Participants honor their ancestors with food and drink, seeking blessings, while ritual leaders invoke spiritual presence during the iron-making process. Chants foster community and collective identity, and specific gestures show respect for the materials and ancestral knowledge. These practices create a sacred atmosphere that connects the community to their heritage, reinforces cultural identity, and promotes unity among participants.

Question 3
How important is the war dance in this second part of the smelting process compared to other sacred elements of the ritual? Explain.

- The war dance in the smelting process is vital, as it serves to unite participants and express communal identity. Unlike static elements like offerings and prayers, the dance embodies strength and resilience, energizing the group and creating anticipation for the smelting. While offerings seek blessings, the war dance channels the community's collective spirit into the iron-making, merging spirituality with physical expression. Thus, it enhances the ritual's significance and complements other sacred practices, making it an essential part of the process.

Question 4
The last part of the process seems to include the sacred element only at the beginning. Speculate why this part of the ritual is different from the rest in that sense?

What does dance have to do with Master Dokwasa's iron smelting ritual?

- The sacred element at the beginning of the ritual establishes a spiritual foundation, invoking blessings and honoring traditions before transitioning to the practical aspects of iron smelting. Dance plays a crucial role by embodying the rhythm and energy of the process, serving as a form of expression that connects participants and honors the spirits involved. It symbolizes the transformation of raw materials into crafted objects, blending the sacred with the practical and enhancing the ritual's emotional depth.


Discussion Questions

5. Which part of the process impressed you the most? Why

- The initial invocation of sacred elements impressed me most because it establishes a spiritual foundation, connecting the act of smelting to deeper traditions and intentions.

6. What is the role of dance and ritual in the smelting process?

- Dance and ritual enhance the communal experience, symbolizing transformation and honoring the spirits involved, thus imbuing the practical work with spiritual significance.

7. What is the difference between Dokwaza, the iron master, and a shaman?

- Dokwaza focuses on the technical aspects of iron smelting, while a shaman serves as a spiritual leader, engaging with the spiritual realm for healing and guidance.


Essay - The Story of Dokwasa: Iron Master and Spiritual Artisan

In a world where craftsmanship and spirituality intertwine, the story of Dokwasa, the iron master, unfolds against the backdrop of ancient traditions and communal rituals. His journey is not merely about forging iron but also about invoking the sacred and connecting with the spiritual realm. Throughout the smelting process, various elements come to life, revealing the depth of meaning behind each action. This essay explores the profound moments in Dokwasa's ritual, the role of dance, and the distinctions between his craft and the spiritual practices of shamans.

One of the most impressive aspects of Dokwasa’s process is the initial invocation of sacred elements. This moment sets a spiritual tone for the entire ritual, highlighting the importance of intention and respect for the materials. As Dokwasa calls upon the spirits of his ancestors and the earth, he establishes a connection that transcends the mundane act of smelting. This invocation reminds participants that they are not just working with metal; they are engaging in a sacred practice that honors their heritage and the natural world.

Dance plays a vital role in Dokwasa's smelting process, serving to enhance both the communal and spiritual dimensions of the ritual. As participants move rhythmically, the dance embodies the energy of the task at hand, creating a powerful connection among those involved. It symbolizes transformation—not just of raw materials into iron, but also of the participants themselves as they become part of a larger narrative. Through dance, they honor the spirits and celebrate the act of creation, infusing the practical work with deeper meaning.

The distinction between Dokwasa, the iron master, and a shaman is also significant. While Dokwasa focuses on the technical aspects of iron smelting, utilizing his skill to forge tools and artifacts, a shaman engages primarily with the spiritual realm. Shamans act as intermediaries, performing rituals to connect with spirits for healing and guidance. In this way, Dokwasa embodies the role of a craftsman rooted in tradition, while shamans serve a broader spiritual purpose, emphasizing the diversity of roles within their community.

In conclusion, the story of Dokwasa illustrates how the realms of craftsmanship and spirituality are intricately woven together. Through the initial invocation of sacred elements, the communal experience of dance, and the distinct roles he and shamans play, Dokwasa's journey highlights the importance of honoring traditions while engaging in the practical work of creation. His ritual serves as a reminder that every act of craftsmanship can be a sacred endeavor, bridging the gap between the earthly and the divine.