Harry Octavianus Sofian, Hartatik Hartatik, Sunarningsih Sunarningsih, Nugroho Nur Susanto, Gauri Vidya Dhaneswara, Restu Budi Sulistiyo, Agus Karyanantio

First Experimental Iron Process Based on The Montalat Iron Sites in Central Kalimantan – Indonesia

Introduction

First experimental iron process based on the montalat iron sites in central kalimantan – indonesia. First experimental iron process based on Montalat archaeological sites in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Discover how ancient people produced iron ingots from local laterite and hematite.

Abstract

This article is based on an experimental iron furnace from archaeological sites in Central Kalimantan – Indonesia, from July 2019. The iron furnace for the experiment is replicated the original iron furnaces from the latest research found in 2017 in the Benangin and Temelalo sites from Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The experiment aims to prove whether the iron furnace can melt metal. From the archaeological experiment we can answer questions about the iron process in Central Kalimantan in the past with the local resource’s laterite and hematite. From archaeological experiments, duplicate iron furnaces can make iron raw materials into melts and extract iron from hematite and laterite raw materials. The results showed that the ancient people in Central Kalimantan were able to make iron from raw materials and process it as iron ingot.

Review

This paper presents a fascinating and archaeologically significant experimental reconstruction of ancient iron production in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. By replicating archaeological furnace designs found in the Benangin and Temelalo sites, the authors aim to empirically demonstrate the viability of past iron-making practices using local laterite and hematite resources. This initiative is highly commendable, as experimental archaeology provides invaluable insights into the technological capabilities and resource utilization strategies of ancient societies, particularly in regions where direct historical records might be scarce. The claim of conducting the "first experimental iron process" for this specific region underscores the potential novelty and importance of this research in understanding the metallurgical heritage of Central Kalimantan. While the abstract highlights the successful production of iron, stating that the furnaces "can melt metal" and "make iron raw materials into melts and extract iron... as iron ingot," this terminology warrants careful clarification in the full manuscript. Ancient iron smelting, particularly in bloomery furnaces common in many parts of the world, typically involves solid-state reduction to produce a spongy bloom of iron and slag, rather than a liquid melt of iron (which would imply cast iron production at much higher temperatures). The precise nature of the "melt" and the "iron ingot" produced – whether it refers to a consolidated bloom, a specific type of iron, or even cast iron – is crucial for accurately interpreting the technological level achieved. Further details on the experimental parameters (e.g., temperatures achieved, fuel type, air supply, duration) and, critically, the analytical methods used to characterize the resulting iron product (e.g., metallography, chemical composition) will be essential to substantiate these claims and provide robust scientific evidence. Overall, this study promises to be a valuable contribution to the fields of archaeometallurgy and experimental archaeology in Southeast Asia. The findings offer compelling evidence that ancient communities in Central Kalimantan possessed the knowledge and skills to extract iron from local ores. To maximize its impact and scientific rigor, the full paper should thoroughly elaborate on the archaeological context of the replicated furnaces, provide a detailed methodology of the experiment, precisely define the terminology used for the iron products, and present comprehensive material characterization data. Addressing these points will significantly enhance the paper's clarity, allow for better comparison with other ancient iron-making traditions, and firmly establish its place as a key study in regional technological history.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.