Niger: iron-making the old way

Duration: 18

Year Published: 1970

Creator: texture

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Sound: sound

Description: Shows in detail the tradition of iron-making techniques practiced by the Hausa in Niger. Observes the gathering of hard wood, the selection of rock containing iron ore, the building of temporary shelters, the making and decorating of clay furnaces and troughs and the smelting of the iron ore all under the direction of the iron master. , Documentary on the traditional ritualistic iron smelting techniques in Niger. Excellent photography gives details of each time-consuming step, including digging the rocks filled with iron ore, making charcoal, constructing the primitive blast furnaces by hand, and the actual smelting.

Complete Record: Shows in detail the tradition of iron-making techniques practiced by the Hausa in Niger. Observes the gathering of hard wood, the selection of rock containing iron ore, the building of temporary shelters, the making and decorating of clay furnaces and troughs and the smelting of the iron ore all under the direction of the iron master. , Shows in detail the tradition and simplicity of iron making techniques practiced by the Hausa in Niger. Observes the gathering of hardwood to be burned into charcoal, the selecting of rock containing iron ore, the building of temporary shelters, the making and decorating of clay furnaces and troughs, and the smelting of the iron ore all under the direction of the iron master. Records the forging of a farm tool from the newly made iron and questions whether this iron-making process will be able to meet the Hausa's future needs., , NOTE: Two (or more) records have been merged together to create this data.