BURIAL PRACTICES AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Burial Practices and Social Structure

The burial practices at Jenné-Jenné suggest a complex social structure. The wealth and status of the deceased are often indicated by the type of burial urn and the accompanying grave goods. Some graves contain fine pottery, jewelry, or iron tools, while others are relatively simple. These variations in burial wealth point to a society with distin

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The Role of Iron in Social and Political Structures

Ironworking had profound effects on the social and political structures of Sub-Saharan African societies. The ability to forge iron tools allowed for increased agricultural production, which in turn supported larger, more complex societies. These societies could support a class of artisans and warriors, who played essential roles in the economy and

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