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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:'Primitive' Kpelle Steelmaking: A High Technology Knowledge System for Liberia's Future?
Author:Thomasson, Gordon C.ISNI
Year:1987
Periodical:Liberian Studies Journal
Volume:12
Issue:2
Pages:149-164
Language:English
Geographic term:Liberia
Subjects:Kpelle
metalworking industry
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Anthropology and Archaeology
Development and Technology
Abstract:Kpelle metallurgical technology, as reflected in its material remains, and also in interviews with informants, was both sophisticated, quite distinctive and clearly not derived from neighbours, captives or slaves obtained as the Kpelle settled the rainforests of Liberia, mastering the upland cultivation of rice in that new ecosystem and adapting their technology accordingly. Besides mining and smelting of iron alloys and brass, Kpelle smiths even may have made cast iron as well as forged tools; they did some types of welding and gunsmithing. Overall, while utilizing what is often denigrated as 'primitive', or even appropriate technology, their knowledge was very advanced. Today Kpelle steel manufacturing technology is at best moribund, the result of noneconomic forces, changing patterns of trade, the distortion of 'market' pricing, and the disruption of traditional reciprocal labour relations. More than anything, however, the Kpelle iron industry was killed by colonialism and monopoly capitalism. With minimal government cooperation, the author believes the industry still could be revived, to the advantage of Liberia's farmers, blacksmiths, and the economy as a whole. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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