Within TRACES, N'Tcha Gérard Tidouo Kouagou has explored the history of iron metallurgy in Atakora.
N'Tcha Gérard Tidouo Kouagou, chercheur·e au sein de TRACES (École des hautes études en sciences sociales).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Temps, Espaces, Sociétés, Cultures (Toulouse).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The study of iron metallurgy in the Atakora region, northwest of Benin, reveals complex socio-economic dynamics and often overlooked ancestral knowledge. This region, rich in natural resources, has seen the emergence of metallurgical practices that have not only shaped its history but also its cultural identity. Based on oral surveys and archaeological prospecting, this research challenges diffusionist theories that attribute the introduction of this technology to external influences. On the contrary, it highlights local production techniques and metallurgical groups, such as the Waaba, who played a key role between the 16th and 20th centuries. These artisans, often organized into guilds, developed unique know-how that deserves to be studied and valued.
The results of this thesis underscore the importance of iron metallurgy in the socio-economic development of the region. Indeed, the production of raw iron, characterized by distinct reduction techniques, has not only shaped the local economy but has also influenced social and cultural structures. For example, the manufacture of iron tools has improved agricultural practices, thereby increasing productivity and food security. The traditional knowledge related to this practice is an essential element of the intangible heritage of Atakora, integrating rituals and beliefs that surround metallurgy. These practices are often passed down from generation to generation, thus reinforcing the social fabric of the community.
However, this cultural and historical wealth is threatened by a lack of recognition and preservation. The thesis calls for intensified archaeological research in less explored areas to better understand the diversity of metallurgical practices. Indeed, many areas of Atakora remain unexplored, and it is crucial to conduct investigations there to discover other iron production sites. Furthermore, it advocates for policies to preserve archaeological heritage, in order to value and protect this traditional knowledge and techniques. The establishment of local museums or temporary exhibitions could also help raise awareness among the population about the importance of this heritage.
It is imperative that decision-makers become aware of the socio-economic impact of iron metallurgy and its potential to contribute to the sustainable development of the region. The valorization of this heritage could not only strengthen the cultural identity of local populations but also stimulate economic initiatives based on cultural tourism and craftsmanship. By integrating training on traditional techniques into educational programs, young people could also be encouraged to engage in these trades.
In summary, this research paves the way for a broader reflection on how traditional knowledge can be integrated into development policies while preserving the cultural heritage of Atakora. Iron metallurgy, far from being a mere production technique, is a true vector of social connection and economic development. By restoring a place for this ancestral knowledge, we can hope for a future where cultural identity and economic progress coexist harmoniously. It is time to recognize the value of these practices and to integrate them into a comprehensive vision of development that respects and values the cultural heritage of Atakora.
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Sources et accès
N'Tcha Gérard Tidouo Kouagou. Histoire et archéologie de la métallurgie du fer dans la région de l'Atakora (Nord-Ouest du Bénin). Archéologie et Préhistoire. Université de Toulouse; Université d'Abomey-Calavi UAC (Bénin), 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024TLSEJ011⟩. ⟨tel-04881283v2⟩