Preservation of the Bassar Iron Smelting Furnaces

$51.4K USD

Funder	Department of State
Recipient Organization	U.S. Government - Department of State
Country	Togo
Start Date	Nov 01, 2002
End Date	Feb 09, 2007
Duration	1,561 days
Number of Grantees	2
Roles	Recipient
Data Source	US Foreign Aid
Grant ID	`77288-48`

Grant Description

The project focuses on preserving and conserving the few remaining traditional iron smelting furnaces in Bassar.

One of the most important iron smelting industries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Bassar industry was initiated in the 8th century and began producing iron for regional export by the 13th century. It remained competitive with European smelters until 1925.