Azelik

A series of sites in Niger which have yielded evidence of metalworking at a very early date, possibly to late 2nd millennium for copper smelting. There may have been a brief Copper Age (as at Akjoujt) before the adoption of iron which was rare in sub-Saharan Africa.

A number of sites around Azelik in Niger have yielded evidence for metal working at a very early date, with copper smelting firmly attested by the 5th century bc and possibly extending back to the late 2nd millennium. It appears that iron was not worked until somewhat later, although its presence in southern Air, also in Niger, is dated to the last three centuries bc. Here, as at Akjoujt, there may be evidence, rare in sub-Saharan Africa, for a brief ‘Copper Age’ preceding the adoption of iron.