The Haya People of Tanzania: Master Blacksmiths of Ancient Steel Forging
The Haya people of Tanzania, who reside in the Kagera Region near Lake Victoria, hold an extraordinary place in the history of metallurgy. Their innovative steel-forging techniques, developed over 2,000 years ago, reveal a level of technological prowess that has only recently been acknowledged on the global stage. Archaeological findings have shed light on the Haya’s ancient furnaces, dating back to around the 1st century AD, showing that they were among the earliest known people to develop techniques for producing carbon steel—a metal more durable and resilient than iron alone. This article explores the history, techniques, and impact of the Haya’s steel production, and how their metallurgical innovations influenced their society. (more…)