Definition: The archaeological site of Taruga is located in northern Nigeria, and it is one of a few iron smelting sites associated with the Nok cutlure between 500 BC and AD 200. Taruga is one of the earliest known occurrences of metal working in sub-Saharan Africa, dated to approximately 400 BC. The age is of importance, as is the lack of a full-fledged copper smelting technology, because that suggests that the technology was imported, perhaps from Carthage.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
