The last topic covered one of the mysterious UNESCO World Heritage sites from Burkina Faso. It was literally an intriguing place with precious landscapes and a wall that was 1000 years old. And to make it all more extraordinary the site was listed in the WHS.
Today we will be looking at yet another miracle from Burkina Faso, which will leave you mesmerized. The Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Site of Burkina Faso is from the 8th century and has been inscribed to World Heritage Site. Let’s get to what makes the place so sustainable and precious.
About Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso
It is said that the entire provision of Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso is composed of five different elements. They consist basically of traces and ruins of centuries-old furnaces, the structure of mines, dwellings, etc. The rustic look of the landscapes is the standing proof that the place has been through centuries.
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In Burkina Faso, the archeologist found evidence that dated back to the 8th century known as the Douroula. And that marks the beginning of the search for other evidence in the provision. And in the process, other components like Tiwega and Bekuy were rediscovered. They were part of centuries-old iron production. The method used in iron production is no longer in use but still, it is one of the rare things to watch.
History of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso was once a pre-colonial society. And with the traces of evidence, it was concluded that iron production was one of the major occupations of that region. The Douroula is the standing evidence to the aforesaid. When the traces were categorized as centuries-old, the need to protect the price of land solely become responsible. To prevent and protect the century-old tradition and efforts.
It is also one of the examples of early development in Africa. The furnaces, dwellings, and other small things excavated have been preserved to protect the Heritage Site. These traditions have been a real technology with blacksmiths.
The Authenticity of the Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso
The authenticity of the place is quite an amazing one. The place has been recognized for over 2700 years. And it has been found that the process of iron production is the main source of income. The five standing metallurgy sites are the proof of the aforesaid. This has created a universal value to the site and given listed in the World Heritage Site.
The integrity of the place has also been approved by the local people and blacksmiths with the knowledge of the past. However, the furnace at Douroula is one live-standing proof to the entire. The natural calamity and other climate changes have taken a toll on the site, yet the management and the government are working hard to keep up with it.
Management and Protection Work
This place in Burkina Faso is of utmost importance. The place is not only 2700 years old but also reflects the early stage of development. And also the Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso are inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, it becomes mandatory to protect the site at a national and international level. The local committee is responsible to take care of the entire place in accordance with the Customary Law. The Site of Bekuy however, doesn’t come under the law. It particularly falls under the Forest reserve and wildlife protection.
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There is a special management plan implemented from 2018 to the next five years to assimilate the betterment of the site. This plan is for all five sites. Also, the national management committee is hell-bent on getting the site repaired and taking care of the situation. Also, the national committee is responsible for the research work and other activities. Apart from that, a site management plan has been implemented to take care of the site on a regular basis.
How to reach Burkina Faso?
Ouagadougou Airport is the main airport that connects Burkina Faso to the rest of the world. Tourists can reach here and directly hire a cab to the Central Nord to explore the Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites. It makes the travel a hustle free and also less time consuming. Mostly it will take less than an hour to explore the site, after which you can take a drive to other parts of the city. Hence it will be a day or two for you to explore the city and enjoy the stay.
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Burkina Faso is a West African Country with rare landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We had already listed out two mysterious yet significant World Heritage sites. And let us explore more in future blogs. If given a chance, do visit these places and get to know more about the place and its past.
Till then Bon Voyage!
