We don't know exactly when African peoples began working with metals. But by 5,000 B.C., they were making objects of copper and gold.
Working with iron required new technologies. By about 500 A.D. ironworking had spread throughout Africa. Pump the bellows to find out how much work was required to heat the furnaces which melted the iron ore.
Choose one metal object from "Changing Rock into Metal" (http://www.nhm.org/africa/tour/metals). Draw or describe its shape and design in the space below.
| This object was used as (check one) __ a weapon __ a tool __ an ornament __ other _________ |
It is made from (check one) __ gold __ brass __ iron __ bronze __ other _________ |
As you look at other sections in the Africa web site, try to find another object used for the same purpose. What is the object and what material is it made from?
If the object you find is made from another material, can you explain why?
© Field Museum, 1993
http://www.nhm.org/africa