South Africa
Africa is very rich in mineral deposits such as copper, iron, gold and silver. Knowledge of metal smelting began very early and by 400BC, the cattle herders and cereal growers of the savanna knew how to smelt iron. Smiths were both revered and feared for their ability to transform metal ore into many wonderful objects.
Iron axe with rhino horn shaft, Shona people of Eastern Zimbabwe. Collected by the Ulster born traveller Gordon Augustus Thomson in 1832.
Pottery making was widespread throughout Africa. In Sub-Saharan Africa it was all hand made, usually by building up coils of clay and smoothing over the surface. The pots were fired in a pit covered with flammable material. The foot-powered wheel is now in widespread use.
Beer pot and drinking mug, Lozi people, Zambia c1898. Donated by Wm Swanston.
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