Iron Metallurgy in Northeastern Madagascar:
Study of Rasikajy Metallurgical Production between the 11th and 15th Centuries
From the 11th to the 14th century, the Rasikajy population thrived along Madagascar's northeastern coast, developing a unique smelting technique. While the presence of iron slag in the region was known, detailed studies were lacking until recent excavations conducted between 2017 and 2021. These efforts included three excavation campaigns and several test pits, significantly enhancing our understanding of the area. Approximately 150 slag heaps were documented between Vohémar and Cape Masoala, amounting to around 450 tons of slag. The remains indicate a singular smelting tradition utilizing small pit furnaces dug into sandy substrates, devoid of clay superstructures. High-grade lateritic concretions served as ore, and short cylindrical tuyeres, often crafted by drilling stone with rotary tools, were connected to bellows. The Rasikajy technique appears to have developed independently, without influence from more advanced smelting traditions in the Indian Ocean region. Analysis of the slag reveals a lack of control over the smelting process, suggesting that iron production was sporadic and unspecialized. It is likely that local metal needs were unmet, leading to reliance on imports via Indian Ocean trade.
