BÉNIN  
Projet benino-danois d'archéologie (BDArch)

All investigations have been aided by information from local people. One particular case turned out to be particularly interesting. Following information on "caves" at Dogbo Tota, the researches established the existence of a large mining site used for extraction of iron-rich ores. Indeed, from the surface, the entrances much looked like cave openings, but below the surface a dense network of subterranean mining passages was seen leading in different directions. The site is 50 km south of Abomey.

Fig. 13. One of the mine systems at Dogbo Tota.

A few kilometers from the mining site another discovery was made. Surveys conducted in the area established the presence of several huge slag heaps, clearly demonstrating that iron extraction was also going on in continuation of the mining of ore. A transecting trench was laid across one of the slag heaps in order to establish the intensity of iron working and for obtaining charcoal samples for C14 dating (pending).

Fig. 14. On the top of the slag heap.