Copper Production and Trade in the Niari Basin (Republic of Congo) during the 13th to 19th Centuries CE: Chemical and Lead Isotope Characterization

In Central Africa, copper ore occurs in only a few locations and copper appears to have beena scarce commodity in the past—contrary to iron, which is attested more widely and earlier inthe sub-Saharan archaeological record. This paper presents the first detailed characterizationof an early copper-working region in Central Africa. Located along the southern border of theRepublic of the Congo, the Niari Basin has revealed several copper production sites rangingfrom the 13th to the 19th century CE. The evidence, specifically in the Mindouli, Mfouati andBoko-Songho areas, includes various production remains as well as different types of copperingots and artefacts. In the context of a broader copper technology study, the chemical andlead isotope characteristics of the ore deposits in this region are presented. The results ofthe chemical and lead isotope analyses of copper objects and production remains from archaeologicalsites are then interpreted against this geological background data, with an emphasison copper provenance features. Combining these results with archaeological and historicalevidence for regional metallurgical activity, new and significant insights are given on the productionof copper in the Niari Basin, emphasizing the potential of this research for forthcomingwork on copper use and trade in a wider Central African context.SCOPUS: ar.j