Which West African culture is most associated with iron- smelting?
Sahara
Nigeria
Nok
Mali
The Nok culture is most associated with iron-smelting in West Africa. The Nok people, who lived in present-day Nigeria, are known for their advanced iron-working techniques and the production of intricate terracotta sculptures. Iron-smelting was a significant technological development for the Nok culture, allowing them to create various tools, weapons, and other iron objects during their time.
The West African culture most associated with iron-smelting is the Nok culture. To arrive at this answer, we can consider the historical and archaeological evidence related to iron-smelting in West Africa.
Iron-smelting is the process of extracting iron metal from iron ore through the use of heat and reducing agents. It is an important technological advancement in human history, as it enabled the production of more durable tools, weapons, and other resources.
The Nok culture, which flourished in what is now modern-day Nigeria between 1000 BCE and 500 CE, is widely recognized as one of the earliest known iron-smelting cultures in West Africa. Evidence of iron-smelting has been found at various Nok archaeological sites, including the production of iron tools and other artifacts made from iron.
While other West African cultures, such as the Mali Empire, also had iron-working capabilities, the Nok culture is particularly renowned for its early and significant contributions to iron-smelting technology in the region.
Therefore, the West African culture most associated with iron-smelting is the Nok culture.