A very interesting article from an archaeologist at the University of Sydney and researchers from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

Quote

Abstract

Antique swords from the pre-colonial West African kingdom of Dahomey are aesthetically unique, but they also have many design features inspired by swords from Europe, the Islamic world and elsewhere. As the kingdom was famous for importing luxury European objects, this study aimed to pinpoint evidence of Dahomean sword composition and manufacture to determine scientifically whether they were being made in Dahomey, or imported. An inter-disciplinary team made up of historical archaeologists and neutron scientists examined six 19th century Dahomean swords, using a non-invasive multi-methodological approach based on neutron tomography, powder diffraction full pattern analysis and diffraction residual stress measurements. The findings suggest that, despite their foreign design influences, not only were these striking heritage objects made in Africa, they may also have been likely made from locally smelted iron–something that contradicts the assumptions of the few existing historical reports. This has important implications for studies on the kingdom, and also helps to further the long-standing debate surrounding European iron imports—not just within Dahomey, but throughout the wider West African region.

An African Art Re-Discovered: New Revelations on Sword Manufacture in Dahomey

Thanks John, I love this kind of stuff. At first I was wondering if this wasn't the article George linked a while back but the publishing date and the first page show it's just covering the same culture and maybe time period. IIRC the other article was about steel making in Dahomey but I haven't dug it out to compare. 

Looking forward to the read, thanks again.

Frosty The Lucky.

I hadn't read much on the local weapons for Dahomey - I know they imported a lot of weapons for about three centuries, part of the slave/arms race. Raid and sell your neighbors to the Europeans as slaves so you can buy arms to prevent your neighbors from trying to do the same thing in reverse. End of the European slave trade mostly ended the kingdom during the colonial period. Not exactly a new concept; the Slavs did it with the Rus, but still a very nasty bit of history.

I haven't gotten far in this article yet but I think the other one I almost recall was about steel making and implement trade, weapons and armor being a major part. 

I can only read these papers a little at a time or I'm gritting my teeth wanting to yell, "just say what you mean!"

Frosty The Lucky.