INDIGENOUS IRON WORKS IN THE 19TH
CENTURY
IN THE BENIN CITY
BY
OBAGHO EHINONBHEN LOVETH.
A Research project submitted to the department of
History
And International Studies. In partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the award of Bachelor of Arts Honours
(B.A Hons) Degree in History and International Studies.
Department of History and International Studies
University of Ilorin
Ilorin, Nigeria.
MAY, 2011
i
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this work was carried out by
OBAGHO EHINONBHEN LOVETH at the Department of
History and International studies, of faculty of Arts,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria.
Dr. R.A Olaoye
Date
Head of department
Date
External Examiner
Date
ii
DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to my Family
iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
To start with, I am very grateful to my heavenly father, the father
of all and, my lord and saviour Jesus Christ who is the source of
my wisdom, inspiration and the marshal of my whole being.
I recognize and appreciate my parent Mr& Mrs. Obagho for
their support and understanding throughout my Education.
My special thanks to my supervisor Dr. R.A Olaoye, in
pursuance of this project from its inception to its finial stage. And
also with his infatigable effort and dedication, provide me with all
the necessary guidance I required to go through my work. Infect
you are “daddy”
My profound gratitude to my sibilin, Blessing, Samson, Kate,
and wisdom Ojaigbe Obagho for their moral and Spiritual support.
My sincere gratitude goes to my cousin and the husband Mr
and Mrs. Augustin Oseyebhen, for accommodating me during my
research work in Benin. May the lord bless you and grant you your
heart desire.
I also appreciate my friends Esther Audu, Aderonke Bello,
Mayowa George Babatunde and most especially, Faruq Titi M, and
Juliana Okolo for their inspiration and motivation.
Lastly, I acknowledge all those people whose names do not
appear here but have in any form contributed to the success of my
ambition. I thank you all for being part of my academic pursuit. I
shall live to remember you all.
iv
TABLE OF CENTENT
INDIGENOUS IRON WORKS IN THE 19TH CENTURY IN BENIN
CITY.
Title of Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of contents
i
ii
iii
iv
v
CHAPTER ONE
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Objectives of Study
Scope of Study
Significance of Study
Methodology and problems of Research
Literature review
Historical perspective of Benin
1
1
2
3
4
5
CHAPTER TWO
INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA IN 1900
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Indigenous technology in Nigeria
Development of Indigenous Technology in Nigeria
Trade and market for existing Technology in Nigeria
Impact of Traditional skill in Nigeria.
8
8
12
13
CHAPTER THREE
IRON TECHNOLOGY IN BENIN IN THE 19TH CENTURY
3.1
3.2
3.3
Iron works in Benin
Mode of production
Product and values of the Industry
v
17
19
20
3.4
3.5
Impact of Iron work in Benin
Economic survey of Benin
21
23
CHAPTER FOUR
THE GUILDS AND APPRENTICESHIP IN IRON INDUSTRY
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
The feature of guilds
Duration Apprenticeship
Nature and categories of Apprenticeship
Ritual Aspect of Iron works
26
27
27
28
CHAPTER FIVE
INFLUENCE OF COLONIALISM AN IRON INDUSTRY.
5.1
5.2
5.3
Advent of colonial Rule
Colonial influence on the indecline of Iron technology
Introduction of European goods and the incidence on from
technology.
31
32
CONCLUSION
37
BIBILIOGRAPHY
40
34
CHAPTER ONE
1:1
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
Technology as defined by Berry, Is “any Application of
discoveries of the scientific methods to the problems of man and
environment in peace and war” Adeniyi refers to it as ‘a process
whereby an individual or a group of people acquire a skill
necessary to operate a hand ware either from another persons or
through development.
vi
To this end, series of meetings, conferences, seminars,
tayslops and workshops have been organized and held on the
indigenous production and the advancement of iron tools in
Nigeria and Africa at large.
Thus, the objective of this work is to debunk the Eurocentric
belief that Africa has no technology worthy of studying before the
arrival of European. Also, that Africa are not intelligent enough to
process from technology. And also, to locate technology in the
realm of the study, Iron industry \ works in Benin.
To this end, the research work is to study the general trend
since inception of Iron technology in Benin down to it decline. As
a result of competition pose by importation of purier and cheaper
Iron bans from European in the 19th century.
1:2
SCOPE OF STUDY
West Africa people early learned to mine and utilize their
supplies of three important metals-gold, Iron and copper. The
production of gold at an unidentified place on the West Africa
coast long before the birth of Christ. When Iron was first worked,
and also it was first used at a large scale, is not really known. Yet it
is certain that knowledge of Iron smiting was gained before the
beginning of Christian era. Some historians believe of the
knowledge was transmitted from Libya in about 500Bc others
believed that it came from upper mile around 300Bc; we know that
the rise of empire partially due to their possession of abundant Iron
weapons and tools.
Thus, this essay deals mainly with indigenous technology, a
case study of Benin Iron works in the 19th century. The period
covered the pre-colonial period, the incursion of Europeans and
lastly, the period covered the impact of Iron works on the political
and socio-economic character of the people, also the decline of
Iron technology and technology as a whole in Nigeria at large.
1:3
SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
vii
The existence of indigenous industries over the centuries in
Nigeria is quite significant for study and history of Nigeria.
The significance of this study is to illustrates, the
interdependence that existed between the Sudan forest zones which
in turn encouraged the movement of people, goods and ideas from
North to south, east to west and vice versa. The study also give an
insight into the nature and degree of interaction that Obtained
among Nigerian peoples and this also support the argument for a
pre-existing unity among people in the Nigeria area before the
coming of Europeans.
The significance of the study is to also analyze what obtain in
Nigeria before the incursion of the colonial Rule, i.e. Nigeria
communities engaged in trade which arose from the fact that
different village specialized in different crafts depending on the
available raw material.
This however is an evidence used by Africa writers to
debunk the Euro-centric on the fact that they developed Nigeria
and Africa as A whole in term of technological advancement.
Importantly, the study seeks to examine how objects were
manufactured from Iron-ore with a case study of Iron industry in
Benin. This effort is undertaken because, the indigenous
techniques of production of Iron smithing in traditional societies
have virtually atrophied due to neglect and disdain. The situation is
born out of the fact that their position has been overshadowed by
the importation of foreign goods and Equipment.
Furthermore, the significance of the study is to show or draw
attention to a hitherto neglected aspect of Nigeria history. Political
history had been overemphasized in the past leading to a study of
the spectaculation such as war and lives and activities of great men
and rulers. By studying indigenous industries, we can now
appreciate the place and importance of the masses who helped to
bring great men into lime light and who helped to provide strong
economic bases (sometimes through their crafts) that support the
various governments.
viii
Thus, individuals, bodies and groups are to recognized
indigenous traditional values and harness them into a sound base
for technological take off and for Nation building.
METHODOLOGY AND PROBLEMS OF
RESEARCH
1:4
Methodology is the set of methods and principles that are
used when studying a particular subject or doing a particular kind
of work (Longman dictionary 4th Edition).
Primary and secondary source were basically used for this
project works. The following methods used in obtaining the date
for this research work. Content analysis of published and
unpublished material, electronic device (internet Browsing). Oral
interview and participant observation, like visitation to Archives.
First place visited for content analysis of published material
was the library; University of Ilorin library, Harri library.
University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, also state
libraries was visited.
In the area of primary source, oral interview was conducted
on the families who practice Iron works popularly called Igun
(Ogun) in Benin City.
Observation which is the process of watching something for a
period of time. Thus, the researcher participated by seeing and
feeling during the research works.
It should be noted that problems is that situation that causes
difficulties. Problem encountered by the researcher was to get and
gathered material because little was discussed on the research
topic. At the archives, there are no files that contain direct
information on Iron works in Benin and collections information
were often scanty and rough because of the old nature and poor
Handle i.e. they are not
ix
visible. And also, some files have been withdrawn from use
because they are really damage.
Another problems encountered is the area if finance. Before
any interview could be made certain amount of money need to be
paid to the interviewer. Another major problem was the mobility.
The researcher did not have adequate knowledge of the
environment.
1:5
LITRATURE REVIEW
Benin been the home of Art work, had attracted many to have
and maintain regular diplomatic contact with. Benin Iron works
give plenty evidence of complex society as well as a university
acclaimed artistic achievement. In relation to this, many scholars
and Researchers are very kin in Benin Art work and Benin History
generally. However, some written sources have however been
found useful and are review below.
Ryder AFC 1485-1897. Benin and Europeans. The book
centered on the relationship between Benin and the European
which discuss the origin, political, Economic and socio-cultural
activities of the Benin.
The glory of Benin Kingdom and the shame of the British
Empire by ANTHONY OKOSUN. He throws light on the state
development in the area of cultural value and Benin Art work
especially in its famous Bronze, Iron and Ivory casting.
A cursory look at the work written by onions A. Edionwe.
ECHOES OF A KINGDOM
‘Great Benin’ is bases on some papers presented by his royal
majesty, Oba Erediawa CFR. During the commemoration of
British invasion of great Benin Kingdom in 1897.
Mention must be made the work of K.A AGBONTAN.
Department of sociology and Anthropology. University of Benin,
Nigeria. In his journal “AN ASSESSMENT OF FOUR
CENTURIES” (15th -19th c) of Benin Art production of Evaluating
the role of the craft Guide system in Benin polity. The key work is
x
the Benin kingdom, pre-colonial Nigeria. Royal patronage, guilds,
palace societies.
Also the work of Anthony I Okoduwa. Department of
History and International students. Ambrose Ali University
Ekpoma Nigeria. In is work “where bottom dropped of
manufacturing
innovation
in
Nigeria”
the
keywords
“manufacturing innovation technological” growth Economy.
Furthermore, is the book of flint J.E Snr. George gold i.e and
making of Nigeria London (1990). The detail account Europeans
Economic Activities of royal Niger Company, the various attack of
the native primitives Expedition of the royal Expeditions. For the
fact that Benin played a vital role makes it valuable to this research
work.
Finally, is the history of indigenous science and technology
in Nigeria Edited by R.A Olaoye. This book provides an insight
into Nigerians indigenous skills and techniques. The book clearly
recognizes the deliberates and consequential destabilizing impact
of colonialism on indigenous science and technology.
1:6
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF BENIN
The heartlands of the old Benin kingdom are inhabited by a
people who called themselves, their capital and their language Edo
which belong to the kwa family. The Edo speaking group of people
covers an area extending from the broken, hilly country that
boarder the igbirra and Igala in the North, to the edge of the coastal
swap forest in the south, were their neighbors are Ijos and Itsekin.
Their other boundaries are with the Yoruba to the west and Igbo to
the east.
The origin of the Kingdom is lost in myth and antiquity from
which survives only a traditions of migration from east that is
common to many west Africa people.
xi
Tradition asserts that the Edo people became dissatisfied with
the rule of a dynasty of semi mythical kings, the Ogisos, and in the
13th century they invited prince Oranmiyan of Ife to rule them. His
son Eweka is regarded as the as the first Oba, or king, of Benin,
through authority would remain for many years with hereditary,
order of local chiefs. Late in the 13th century, royal power began to
assert itself under the Oba Ewedo and was firmly established under
the most famous Oba, Ewuare the great. (reigned c. 1440-80), who
was describe as a great warrior and magician He established a
hereditary succession to the throne and vastly expended the
territory of the Benin kingdom, which by mid 16 th century
extended from the Niger river delta in the east to what is now
Lagos in the west (Lagos was in fact founded by a Benin army and
continued to pay tribute to the Oba of Benin Until the end of the
19th century).
Ewuare was succeeded by a line of strong Obas, chief of
whom were Ozolua the conqueror (c. 1481-c. 1504, the son of
Ewuere) and Esigie (early to mid 16 th century , the son of Ozolua) who
enjoy good relations with the Portuguese and sent ambassador to
their king. Under these, Obas of Benin became a highly organized
state. It numerous craft men were Organized into guild, and the
kingdom became famous for ivory and wood carvers. It brass
smiths and bronze casters excelled making naturalistic heads, basreliefs, and other sculptures. All in all Benin attained her greatest
glory and military achievement through the increase in metal
works.
xii
NOTES AND REFRENCES
1. G.T Stride, B.A and Caroline Ifeka PhD, people and
Empire of west Africa. Pg 159-162
2. Osadolor, Osarhiems Benson – military system of
Benin kingdom C. 144- 1897 Pg 4
3. Pa Odion Isado: Oral interview
4. NAI: Benin province
5. R.A Olaoye, History of science technology in Nigeria.
Pg 1-13
6. Ryder A.F.T :Benin and
University of Ibadan.Pg 1-8
Europeans, 1485-1897,
7. Time life lost civilization Series:Africa’s legacy (1994)
Pg 102- 4
xiii
CHAPTER TWO
INDIGENIOUS TECHNOLOGY IN NIGRIA IN 1900
2:1
INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA
Indigenous technology relates to the indigenous method of
producing concrete objects of need, based on the indigenous arts
and crafts. The technology is so called because in most cases, the
raw materials, the tools and techniques that are used, are locally
available. In other words technology is based on local skills and
techniques that make the heaviest use of the abundant indigenous
resources and locally produced equipment.
Walter Rodney sees technology as the process where man
ability enable him to study the nature, harness it and fashion out
new implements for development of the society.
It is a known fact that Nigeria is still underdeveloped or
developing technologically despite the country’s possession of
abundant human and material resources. The technological
xiv
backwardness can better be understood within the context of
European activities in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular.
The dialectical relationship of the indigenous technology
with its socio – cultural milieu presupposes that there exist a good
number of indigenous skills and techniques which are applied to
tackle problems and meet various needs of life. Thus, in Nigeria,
the indigenous techniques in different types of local craft
industries, most of which are still in their traditional forms are here
in worthy of discussion.
2:2
THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL
TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA
From time immemorial, the main occupation of West Africa
people have been farming, hunting and, fishing. These provided
them with food, clothing, and shelter and, in time, a surplus to
exchange for things they did not produce themselves. Yet food
producing has never been the sole- pre – occupation of all West
Africa people since the days when new Stone Age people founded
villages. Industries grew up to meet the growing needs of the
people for manufactured goods and these produced the basis first
for local trade and then for commercial dealings involving people
living far apart from each other. Unfortunately, it is not possible
for us to date the beginnings of these industries or to assess their
growth rate until comparatively recent times. All we can do is to
outline a generalized account of industry and trade in our period.
Nigeria possesses her own form of technology which
enhance her own form of development for the incursion of foreign
technology and the Nigerian indigenous technology can be seen in
this various forms namely iron technology, textile cloth industry ,
pottery industry, leather industries, soap industries e.t.c.
IRON TECHNOLOGY: Iron was found at the surface in
many places in West Africa. At first, it was mined by open – cast
methods, later by the sinking of shafts. Iron workers were
organized in close communities of blacksmith who
xv
jealously guarded their secrets of smelting, forging and tempering
the metal. Their skills were directed mainly to the production of
weapons and tools.
Iron technology in mining smelting and smithing was an
important indigenous industry in the pre- colonial history of
Nigeria. The earliest evidence of iron mining and smelting was
found in NOK culture area of Jos, Bauchi, Daima, Kano, Zaria and
Kastina – Ala round +500 BC. Archaeologist have excavated iron
spears and axes of Nok and the iron smelting furnace have been
found at Taruga, around Oyo specialized iron mining villages
existed one of such villages was recorded to have contained 100 120 people engaged in iron mining. Similarly, the Bayajida legend
which pointed to a magic knife believed to have been made by the
blacksmiths of Gaya in Kano.
Virtually every Nigeria community knew one thing or the
other about iron technology in the aspects of identification of the
iron ore, extraction of deposits, crushing and smelting of metal and
forging the metal into various tools. Here, the blacksmiths,
goldsmiths e.t.c played significant roles in that they produced
material of need, such as hoe, cutlasses, diggers, shovels, guns,
spears, and Jewelleries like ear – rings, trinkets. Pendants and
necklace e. t. c Moreover, the existence of iron bearing rocks in
places likes Ilorin, Udi, Abiriba, Nsukka, Bida, Abuja, Benin e.t.c
with smithing in iron, brass, bronze, glass,gold and silver was an
indication that iron – working was and antiquated technology in
most communities in Nigerian.
TEXTILES INDUSTRIES: The earliest forms of clothing
were made from animal skins, the bark of such trees as the baobab
and the leaves of raffia palms. Allied crafts using these materials
were the manufacturer of ropes, matting and basket – work.
However, the availability in some areas of wool and locally –
grown cotton led to the development of a more sophisticated textile
industry before A.D 1000. The technology skill was provided by
people who had learned the arts of spinning and weaving and who
knew how to extract dyes from the indigo plant or camwod tree.
xvi
Such people early became famous for the quality of their cloth, and
included this textile worker of Kano and the Yoruba land. These
however were not the only people who produce cloth.
Nevertheless, the cultivation of cotton using iron implement
led to more sophistication of textile technology with efficient use
of vertical looms by women and horizontal looms by men and not
only was the domestic market satisfied, exported of locally woven
cloth also became common.
POTTERY making was another area of indigenous
technology in pre- colonial Nigeria the earliest evidence of pottery
in Nigeria was found in Rop rock shelter on the Jos plateau and
dated to about 3000 B.C likes, the potsherd excavated in Daima,
Iwo Eleru and Ukpa Rock shelter have been traced to a very early
period. Around the 9th century A.D, the Igbo Ukwu archaeological
site was recorded to have contained a large quality of a broken
pots. At Ife, a potsherd with a dozen clay water – pots was dated in
the 12th century A.D among the Gwaris, pot – making was an early
industry. Benin pottery made over seven centuries had been
excavated of Diama located at the south of lake Chad were
similarly known for their good pottery elaborately decorated and
strong enough to last for many years, several other communities
like Abuja Ogga, Ishan, Inyi, Owo, Ekiti, Ife Ilorin e.t.c were
renounce and a major indigenous industry.
LEATHER INDUSTRIES:
the western Sudan was
practically the sole source of the hides from which the famous
leather of morocco was manufactured. In addition to the export of
hides, West African people also produced their own. Leather
production was an age long occupation. The industry was noted to
have been in existence since the beginning of the 2nd millennium
A.B. by early 14th century leather works in the region had emerged
to become a major industry, producing not only for the home
market but also for export to many areas in Africa and beyond.
Actually, the tanned and dyed leather products of Hausa land were
highly prized in Europe, were they were erroneously referred to as
Moroccan leathers.
xvii
SOAP BOILING: forest people developed the manufacture
of soap. The key ingredients were palm oil and ashes which when
boiled together produced this valuable aid to hygiene by the 17 th
century. Production of soap was such a scale that Portugal banned
imports of West Africa soap in order to protect the own soap –
boiling industry.
The indigenous techniques in soap making were produced in
several communities through the use of material s such as ashes,
palm oil, cocoa pods and water. It was an industry worked mainly
by woman. Its production was in response to the necessity of
washing and bathing. In addition, black soap was believed to be
high medicinal value especially among the Yoruba and Igbo
communities.
Actually, there is a long list of indigenous skills and
techniques than could be discussed here. In this regard, however,
only references would be made to a few others which from time
past had been satisfying the need of the indigenous communities.
One such skill was basketry, commonly found among the Yoruba
and Hausas. All of which represented the hallmark of the Nigerian
indigenous technology, long before the period of modern
technology.
xviii
2:3
TRADE AND MARKET FOR EXISTING
TECHNOLOGY
The earliest form of trade begins at the village level when the
inhabitants exchange things among themselves. As social contacts
widen, good are exchanged with people of adjacent villages, and
this process is facilitated by the establishment of fixed market
places and market days. Gradually, trade takes place over ever
widening areas and some villages possessing an important strategic
site, an abundant supply of a Particular desirable products or a
particularly powerful army grow into great commercial centers.
In the early 19th century, Nigeria economy like the economy
of practically every other country in the world was based
principally on Agriculture pursuits and there were very few
members of society who did not have their farms and herds. Many
of the farming communities that made up the bulk of the
population were engaged in the production for consumption and
local exchange within each community and beyond. The product of
the soil were stored and exchanged against men’s labour.
Within each community, there was considerable function
specialization built upon the agricultural bases. In many societies,
each household had its own line in food preparation which could
be made available to others at a price. There were specialist
craftsmen and others who would take up a particular craft in the
farming off season.
The production of craftsmen was sold in the locality where
they were needed as farm implements, weapons. Tools, ornaments
and house hold wares. There are some however whose demand
extended to distant places. In such cases the crafts were not sold by
the markets but by intermediaries who were engaged in long
distance trade. This was done for cloth, salt and leather goods.
Reference has already been made to Kano cloth and Sokoto leather
which were exported to part of the Sudan and to North Africa.
Some craft such as bronze sculpture were produced on order,
xix
where a number of villages or towns were engaged in the same
craft, an informal zoning system was adopted.
Among the Igbo where the Awka, Nkwerre and Abriba were
engaged in blacksmithing, the Awka dominated the industry as
itinerant craftsmen in Northern and western Igboland extending to
the igala and idoma areas. The Nkwerre carried on the industry
among the southern Igbo, Ogoni and Ijaw while the Abiriba
controlled the Cross River area. It was however difficult to observe
the zones strictly. By the end of 18th century the Awka and Nkwere
were encroaching upon each others sphere.
As a result of this market structure and trading activities that
brought the Europeans in the first place to the shore of Nigeria,
they saw that Nigerians specialized in all this sophisticated
products like Benin Bronze, Ife terracotta, Hausa leather, Ilorin
cloth, Oyo pottery e.t.c that was what attracted them, and when
they came they did not encourage indigenous technology they
knew that if they encourage it, it will be a form of modern
technology, That is why they did nothing to encourage indigenous
technology they went as far as discussing our indigenous
technology . For the far the purpose of the essay, we want to try to
expose what we have had in Nigeria before the coming of
Europeans and now that they have left, instead, of encouraging
Neo- colonialization, we should go back to our indigenous
technology and put in all that will make us a standard nation
because we have the resources.
2:4
IMPACTS OF TRADITIONAL SKILLS IN
NIGERIA
Traditional skills in Nigeria has played tremendous
significance role of the development of Nigeria. Traditional skills
formed an important sector in the economic because it was the
indigenous industries that produced service goods such as tools,
weapons, utensils, ornaments and clothing needed by the people.
The industries also provided a major source of income for people
xx
and for others; they supplemented the income from Agriculture
and trade. The blacksmithing had played great importance to
agriculture, warfare and other domestic needs infect, not to over
emphasize, the smithers manufacture hand tools which made
agriculture more efficient because iron tools were more suitable
than stone for clearing the bush and tilling the soil. This in turn
made food more abundant.
More so, it is believed that the rise of the early empires of
West Africa was partly due to their possession and use of iron
weapons and tools. This undoubtedly shows the close relationship
between iron technology, farming and political power.
The evolution of textile technology was another laudable
attempt at using technology was another laudable attempt at using
technology to solve ecological problem, in particular, the value
which was attached to clothing made weaving one of the earliest
fundamental technologies and art of civilization among the Nigeria
societies. so, clothing in essence was made to cover the body and
was also marketed outside country because of the quality of the
material used which brought more civilization to Nigeria it was
another form of meeting the need of the people.
Indigenous technology had helped to have relations with
other African countries. For instance, in leather industry, article
produced include leather bags, slippers, leather dress, saddles,
harnesses and shoes. A Unique soft leather was produced from the
red goats of Sokoto. It is reported that during the medieval times,
Sokoto leather and other leather goods were exported to North
Africa through Agades, Tuat and Fez and from morocco, the soft
leathers were exported to Europe where it was erroneously called
Moroccan country leather because it came through morocco. The
southern part of Nigeria depended almost entirely on the leather
good from the northern grass lands.
Pottery and caring, has also emerged in response to the needs
of the communities and it also played significant role on the
economy of Nigeria e.g pot was made available for cooking,
carved objects such as stool, doors, bowls, candles mortals and
xxi
pestles were immense use in virtually every home and also served
specific domestic demand for the people
In the area of soap making, black soap made in many
communities from material such as ashes, palm kernel oil, cocoa
pods and water. Its production was in response to the necessity of
washing and bathing. Soap was also believed to have high
medicinal value, especially, among the Yoruba and Igbo, the
knowledge of soap making among the Nigerian societies was
therefore a technology on its own.
At the level of cultural values and entertainment, carved
objects like heads and figures made an important scenario in royal
palace and shrines. E.g Iron for Ogun deity. Today museums like
those in Esie in kwara state which stores images and oron in Cross
River with its wooden figure have value for both culture and
tourist attraction. Ivory carving like the Benin masks, one of which
has become famous as the festac symbol which could still be found
in museums in Europe.
The indigenous skill and techniques we are talking about had
long been culture that affected the life of the people in all
ramification, therefore it is difficult to exhaust discussion on them,
the point is that with ingenious skills and techniques, quite a lot of
needs of the people were satisfied, luxuries in form of Jewelry
made evidence of bead was revealed at the NOK, Igbo – Ukwu, Ife
and Benin archaeological sites, canoes were built for water
transportation. Having seen various aspects of indigenous
technology and the impacts played to the needs and development
of Nigerian, this it helps to debunk the imperialist propaganda and
myth of primitive Africa’s that there is no existence of technology
in Nigeria.
xxii
NOTES AND REFERENCES
1.
Fagg willams: the living Arts of Nigeria , the Macmillan
company,new york U.S.A 1971
2.
G.T stride and C. Ifeka peoples and empires of west Africa
Nelson 1971
3.
G IC Eluwa, M.O Ukaguw, J.UN Nwachukwu, A.N
Nwaubani: History Of Nigeria for school and colleges
4.
Http//en wikipedia…
5.
Ibid
6.
J.D fage An Introduction to the History of west Africa
(Cambridge and University press 1962)
.
7.
Obaro Ikime: Ground work of Nigeria History
xxiii
8.
R.A Olaoye: History of Indigenous science and
technology
In Nigeria
CHAPTER THREE
IRON TECHNOLOGY IN BENIN IN THE 19TH
CENTURY
3:1
IRON WORKS IN BENIN
Iron Age, the third of the three ages (stone, Bronze and Iron)
into which archaeologists’ customarily divide the pre history and
early history of mankind. The term Iron denotes the period in any
community, during which Iron was in general use for tools and
weapons.
The use of Iron and development of its technology in Benin
Kingdom has had influence in the state – building process. Iron
technology led to the development of weapons which change the
character of war. Generally, in West Africa, the state that rose to
power in the period between 1400 and 1700 AD such as Benin,
xxiv
Nupe, Igalla, and Oyo in the present day Nigeria, dominated others
part because of the advantages in the development of Iron
technology. Nevertheless, Archaeological excavations unearth a
number of Iron smelting sites at Taruga, with radiocarbon date
from the fifth to the third centuries BC (osadalor 200:107)
Rich iron ore deposits were not available in Benin and had to
be imported from the Etsako area-north of Benin which had large
deposits. Benin was able to develop an indigenous capacity to
work the iron material into weapons of war. It is probable that this
indigenous capacity which was basically the possession of iron
smelting knowledge was acquired though training and
apprenticeship of Benin Black smith in Etsako. By the 2 nd half of
the 15th century when expanded its empire virtually in all
directions, established control over the iron ore sources which was
considered to be essential to the development of Iron technology in
the state.
Furthermore, the Iron working in Benin consisting of
prominent craft before and during the days of Ogiso. Iron worker
were the very first group to become guild in Benin. Infect, Iron
smithing was the earliest occupation which compelled Ogiso era to
form the guild system. His Era was the first to introduce the use of
the ‘sword of authority and justice’ the schimiter (Ada) and the
sword (Eben) which was made out of Iron. Infect it is also claimed
that the guild of Iron smith prepared the way for other occupational
groups and guilds. This primary explains the usefulness of the Iron
smith in setting a peace for the other guilds that collectively form
the guilds system in pre-colonial Benin.
The Iron-smiths were organized into wards; the oldest were
Adaha, Eyaennugie, and Ugboha. But they did not originated into
the wards. Most villages Ubini (Benin) knew the art in the preOgiso era. Ogiso ere created these area or ward in order to
centralize their productive system Although, Benin tradition say
that guild of Blacksmith was form by Ere, the fact that there
existed several ward
xxv
of Blacksmith does suggest that some ward possessed their own
distinctive dated to Oba Ere include Igunekhua, Iwegie or tha
Adaha and Uselu (Ugboha).
The Igunekhua, was a creationof Ewedo the great, after the
battle of Ekokpagha (C. 12 55AD) and was fully developed by Oba
Ewuare they made among the other thing, the ceremmial ‘Ada’ and
‘Eden’. This must have been conceded to them as an assignment
since they were the ones given the greatest royal patronage among
the Ward in the Blacksmiths guild. They also made the
executioners sword, the Oba’s key and door-bolt and Iron bells.
The Iguniwegie or the Adaha were the general Black smiths
while the Eyaennugie were makers of Osun-Iron tree used on
traditional shrines. They also made large lamp and bells, Iron
chairs, staples (Ahon) and Ogun stand for the Oba as well as hair
pins and Knives.
The Ugboha / uselu wards specialized in making lamps for
the Oba. Philip Dark in his introduction of Benin Arts technology
assumed that they came from Ishan village of Ugboha and were
followers who came to fight Oba Esiegi. Ishan tradition in Ugboha
however, trace the origin Ugboha in Ishan to Benin. In Benin
tradition, Ugboha, was a pre-Ogiso village in Benin which, like
several pre-Ogiso villages was involved in Iron works, so it was
during the Esigie war that captives from Ishan Ugboha had
originated from Benin were brought back to Benin to join their kin.
For Blacksmith to accompany the soldiers to wars and when they
were captured, they were not excuted but brought to Benin and
absorbed into a ward.
Nevertheless, Iron workers in Benin were organized in close
communities of Blacksmiths who jealously guarded their secrets of
smelting forging and tempering the metal. Their skills were
directed mainly to the production of weapons and tools, and early
European visitors were impresses by the quality of their work.
3:2
MODE OF PRODUCTION
xxvi
Metals and Iron works were mainly the main metal that were
first known to the Benin’s and this was because the raw material
(Iron-ore) need for Iron works and blacksmithing were produced
they were taken to a place where it will be lasted and that is where
the Blacksmithing comes in.
Every smithy was collectively built under the supervision of
the smith-priest. Every workshop was of a regular construction
pattern. The fire place was made from clay known as Obwe, which
came from soil strata exposed in valley sides (Darling, 1983,
pp.23). Projecting into the fire place on the ground were two
wooden cylinders through which air was pumped to raise fire to a
desired level. These were the bellows. The others end of the
bellows was usually attached to two specially designed bags from
the dried skin of antelopes. Attached to the bags with some glue
were two stakes of about five feet in length. When pulled and
pressed downwards air was released through the cylinders into the
fire.
The technique of producing Iron implement was a
manufacturing one that only males could perform. One Iron ore
was obtained, it went to the furnace for roasting to dispel water and
remove various form of impurities. This first step in the process of
Iron working included the use of bellows to fan the dried kernel
shells which served as coal. The fire temperature rise to such a
degree that the Iron ore became red hot in a few minutes. At the
stage it was removed from the fire with the anvils by the smith
who would beat the Iron to shape and size. The process of
reheating and beating to size was repeated until the tools required
was properly formed. It was then allowed to cool before it was
filed into a final product (Okoduwa, 1988 p. 68). Every smithy was
a production unit of at least seven male members. Two strong
hands were usually required to manipulate the bellows so that
enough fire was generated at all times in reheating the Iron until
production was complete. The smith worked on one implement at a
time and by the end of the day an average work force of fire males
could produce at least ten average sized farm implements or fifteen
xxvii
small ones. Thus, The smithing industry met the needs of the
people for farm and war tools.
Today, local smithiers play an significant role by repairing
worm out imported Iron tools include Knives, cutlasses and hoes.
Due to the unattractive nature of the industry as it was left to
stagnate as no male wants to be a smith the industry is moribund.
3:3
PRODUCTS
INDUSTRY
AND
VALUE
OF
THE
Virtually every Nigeria community knew one thing or the
other about Iron technology in the aspect of identification of the
Iron ore, extraction of deposition crushing and smelthing of metal
and forging the metal into various tools. The Blacksmiths played
significant role in that they produced materials of need such as
weapons (spear, Arrow, guns, e.t.c), Agricultural tools (hoe,
cutlass, shovels e.t.c.) jewelries (ear-rings, rings, trinkets, pendants
and necklace), Kitchen equipment ( pot, store, spoon, e.t.c) and
other some domestic use such as stood, Iron chair, Knives, table
e.t.c.
In the area of Agriculture, Blacksmith are able to improve
and manufacture farm implement such as hoe, cutlasses, Axe, e.t.c.
This is a significant land mark in the history of Agriculture
technology in Benin and Nigeria as a whole in the sense that the
tools so manufactured replaced the wooden and stone tools, which
were used by the early man.
Weapon of war were another product of Blacksmith.
Weapons like Dane guns, Arrows and Bows are produced for
defence against internal and external aggression, it was the
availability of this weapons that made Benin to be able to resist the
British force of 1897, the use of this weapons was no doubt an
epitome of indigenous technology in military hard wares in Benin
Kingdom.
Chisels, Blades, Dagger, and Hermes were also product of
Blacksmith in Benin, these products were needed for wood
xxviii
carving, and as a result the Blacksmith stimulated another craft of
the indigenous technology because carving is also another
important skill among Benin community.
Home utensils and catteries like spoon knives were also
product from Blacksmith. There is the production of metal pots of
various sizes and shapes for domestic and commercial uses and
also during festival. The provision of these tools had made life
relatively easy for the people of Benin because the existence of
these basic tools.
Gong is another product from the Blacksmith which is
commonly used in Benin. It is mostly used by the town crier and
also used in the music to accompanying percussion instrument
during musical eusruble. Inclusively, gongs are used in respect of
some deities and ceremonies.
Earring, Necklace and bangles are another products from
black smithing, these products are of great domestic value they
were mostly used by Queens, rich and noble people, braid or a
celebrity.
The intricate techniques in which metal pieces discuss were
produced and the apparent virtuosity of the artist further suggests
the existence of technology which was adequate for the traditional
Benin Kingdom. It is unfortunate that the technology which
produced these objects have been blurred by the western
technology and modernization, the richness of Benin sculptures
cannot be washed away.
4.4
IMPACT OF IRON WORKS IN BENIN
As a result of Iron works in Benin Kingdom there were a lot
of socio-economic activities and this processes resulted in the
development of the Kingdom. Iron works further enhance the
marked system which in turn gave rise to the socio-political
organization and gave boost to the economy, this made the
kingdom a developed one in the 19th century.
Economically, the craft enhance the Agriculture which was
the main sector of economic activities of Benin. In the pre-colonial
xxix
period, people were able to make great facts. Rev. J. F. Schon who
visited Benin in 1845 gave this description of the Agricultural
activities of the area. According to him,
“A fine wet country remarkable well cultivated
and in excellent
order, yams, plantain, India
corn and Beans being the principal
Crops of the soil were well produced”
With this description of Benin One can easily know that this came
as a result of Iron works in Benin.
It also enhance trade among the people and this trade were
carried out both internally and externally, Internally we have the
Oba market, Ekewen market, New Benin market, Ugboha market
day, Iromi and Ubiaja market day e.t.c while externally are with
other state like Ondo, Lagos, Akwa, Delta, Ishekin e.t.c. Besides
these, the city became famous as a great commercial centre which
attracted the Europeans to her store to share from the rich
economic potentials.
Importantly, it increases the productivity of the Benin
Kingdom because they were able to produce. Lot of ware like
Bronze, Brass, artistic work and artistic work and various metal
products which also attract sales
Politically, there were productive class formed themselves
into guild system with a monopolistic right to serve them. In other
words it was a deliberate effort to foster their monarchical
institution in Benin. The guild head spearheaded the group in the
guild shine during ceremonies and festival. During Ewuare reign
was the result of the high level internal organization with in the
Kingdom. Since the Iron guild were terrtorial units, the internal
order maintained with the guilds reflected the political organization
at the lowest level of hierarchy were order and peace were
similarly maintained
It is important to emphasis that the productive class which
from themselves into guild system was a basic requirement of a
well established political institution they were able to have one
voice relate together on issues, they organized themselves into
xxx
groups of Nuclear and kingship families and this consist of age
grade, the youth of the blacksmithing society, while that noble
class were the adult of the craft, their guild system was more or
less a family, they start recruitment from age 7 and because they
have been able to organize themselves into industrial society, they
operate on the principle of labour, this principle of labour
facilitated the spirit of interdependence among their between the
noble class and age grade guild as a whole.
Socially, it enhances the social states of the people because
they were able to tap into locally made technology and this
benefited the people immensely more so, individuals became
wealthy and took titles like Uzam, Iyabe and Ekaiwe and these
titles did not only enhanced social status of individuals they also
gave the personality involved to contribute more to the success of
the society.
The impact of Iron works to Benin cannot be over
emphasized, it made Benin into a well established state with a
large army, conducting long campaigns far field Benin approach its
peak of its prosperity, all these great facts came as a result of her
being able to harness her environment with indigenous craft of
Ironworks that was available in the Kingdom. Therefore, Benin
was able to attain a meaningful development because of the
availability of Iron works in Benin.
3.5
ECONOMIC SURVEY OF BENIN
Finished products from the traditional Iron industry are
marketable in various trading activity centres in and out of Benin
city. These trading activities could be grouped into two types the
internal trade which embraced the daily market, weekly market and
long distance trade (external trade). The internal market locate in
the metropolitan districts such as Iromi, Ugboha, Ubiaja, e.t.c
while the long distance trade are mostly with the neighboring state
like Akure, Delta, Akwa e.t.c.
In all these markets Blacksmithing product could be found
among such products are as Knives, cutlasses ( Opia), axes, hoes,
xxxi
traps, hair pins, cooking pots e.t.c. the Blacksmithing solely
provides the agricultural implements in the ancient days which
however boost Agricultural activities of the Benin’s. The Benin
from the dawn their history have been Agriculturist their economy
therefore, as it was from the beginning is still dependent on
Agriculture the land rich in both cash and subsistence crops e.g.
maize, groundnut, plantain, yam, cassava e.t.c.
All the above activities depend on the availability of market.
The Benin Kingdom is well located for commercial purposes
before the advent of the colonial masters she had a well organized
market. The teeming populations were not only Producers of goods
and products, they were also consumer of goods. Hence they were
organized into guilds. This led to specialization and division of
labour for instance the farmers needed the implement made by the
blacksmith and vice versa as early said. It should be noted that the
increased products that a rose therefore led also to long distance
trade. The Benin could not get all they wanted well within their
territory hence they used their surplus produce to exchange for
goods from others place.
Traders traveled in groups. This led to what Benin referred to
as ‘Akhen Egbo’. This trader had resting places an example is
Eke-Ekhen near Igueben. There were quarters referred to as
Ekhen at usen and uhen in ovia south west and North east local
government area. Usen traded with Akure and beyond and that of
uhen traded with Owo and beyond. That of Eke Ekhen traded with
the people of Uzigolo and illushi and other settlements near the
River Niger.
The trade with the coast was through Ughoton. The Itsekiris
were the middlemen. though Benin were at the beginning have no
sea farers but, there is evidence that from the time of Ehengbuda,
there became sea-farer. They founded Lagos on the coast, as a
result of its expansion, other people like the Izon became
incorporated.
xxxii
NOTE OF REFERENCES
1) Aikagboghe O. Personal interview Aug.21st, 2010
2) Ben-Amos, P.
1980 the art of Benin. Thimes and Hudson,
London
3) Connah, Graham 1975. The archaeology of Benin. Claredon
press. 4) Dark. PJC
1973. An introduction to Benin Art and
technology
Oxford. Claredon press, Oxford.
5) Eghareuba, J.U.
1966. A short history of Benin, Ibadan
University
press.
6) http://en.wikipedia….
7) Idiakose O. Personal interview Aug.20th, 2010
xxxiii
8) Ibid.
9) Okoduwa A.I “where Botton dropped of manufacturing
10) Oseyemwe A. Oral interview. Aug. 20th, 2010
Innovation in Nigeria. An Example of the Esan People of Edo
State”.
11) Ryder, A.F.C 1996. Benin studies the state of the art. Benin
studies New Letter
12) Roth, H.L
“Great Benin”
13) The Benin Kingdom. A century after British Invasion: By N.O
Omozusi.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE GUILDS AND APPRENTICESHIP IN IRON
INDUSTRY
4.1
THE FEATURE OF THE GUILDS
Guild is an organization of people who do the same job, who
joined together in the past to help each other improve their
business.
The origin of the guilds system can be traced to the earliest
ruler of Benin A.D 900-1130 who were refered to Ogiso. Iron
smithing had existed before the Ogiso monarchy and was the most
prominent trade and occupation in nearly all the communities,
xxxiv
since iron was used by other profession such as carving, weaving,
pottery, farming and war fare.
The system became to known as Otu i.e. guilds. Though the
guilds worked mainly for Oba, they also produce on royal
permission for chiefs and other personalities of Nobles. Infect
when palace work was not too heavy, the guild member were
believed to produce various objects through royal permission for
citizen could not afford.
It was during the reign of Ewuare’s that the territorial
organization of the guilds into wards and section began proper, the
oldest were Adaha, Eyaennugie and Ugboha. This was created in
order to centralize their productive system. The blacksmith ward
that dated to Oba Ewuare includes Igunekhua, Iwegie and Uselu.
The guild had a head man; the city’s therefore divided into a
number of self governing wards. The member were organized on
age – grade, the Eniola (Junior) and Edion (Elders) the Edion
group consisted of title holders who jointly from the council of
guilds.
The specific quarters of the guilds were named after the
guilds for example the ward for Iron smith Igunmentor, while that
of brass is called Igbesanwan.These street name still exist in Benin
today.
It is important to known that the Iron smithers who work in
the same workshop are all related and belong to the same family
group or section of the family, the number of brothers divide all
work among themselves and in certain respects share the benefit.
These units, work together to produce their tools, provide charcoal
to be stored for use and shoulder responsibilities for any necessary
repairs in their workshop.
At the family unit, if the family head is aged, he becomes a
nominal head leaving the smithing to his son under the
supervision. It is usual practice among the Benin Iron workers to
engage in other occupation like hunting, warfare, and also,
farming.
4:2
DURATION OF APPREATICESHIP.
xxxv
Apprentice is someone who agrees to work for an employer
for a fix a period of time in order to learn a particular job. Hitherto,
the idea of apprenticeship is not common to iron works industry as
a result of the hereditary and the submission to Oba. Early 20 th
century, the ideal of apprenticeship became known like other craft
work in Benin and in other part of the country. But still, the
apprenticeship was not pronounced like others.
The apprenticeship is trained under the supervision of his
master, he his given minor assignment like putting finishing
touches to products while then major work are assigned to the
older apprentice.
An apprenticeship may spend not more than four year and
may as well spend up to ten years or more depending no how fast
the apprentice can learn.
4:3
NATURE
APPRENTICE
AND
CATEGORIES
OF
The Iron working guild represents a closed group, the
membership of which is hereditary to large extent in a number of
families .There are cases when the son of a particular family that
once practiced but as not abandoned it, would now be asked to
learn the profession as it might be deemed by Igun which the
Yoruba called Ogun (god of Iron).Thus, the person would be taken
to a related family that is still in practice of Iron working. Outsider
can only join through a formal adoption into the profession after a
period of apprenticeship. In this sense, an outsider usually n a male
child is taken by his father to live with the craft men’s families to
be adopted into the household than into the trade.
Another group of apprentice are those who became absorbed
into the trade through friendship ties between their families. With
this, the apprentice resides in the household of the crafts family
and apart from learning the trade, he participates in other family
activities such as farming and hunting. This category of
apprenticeship is by adoption and at the end of their course; they
xxxvi
can remain in their master workshop and learn the job. Generally,
apprenticeship constitutes a basic method of training, learning the
art of smithing entails training in skill. In the course of his training
the apprentice adopted his master traits.
The people involved in the Iron technology are mainly men
who had acquired the knowledge of it at their tender age. They are
meant to sit all day in the workshop and do petty jobs of Iron
technology the day such as blowing the Bellows and sometimes
help in the iron and give it proper shape. This process continued
until the apprentice begins to manufacture on his own. Another
category is the hereditary, i.e., from father to son. Meaning they
have same privilege as the craft master and graduate to become
part of the labour unit of the family. In the case of bronze craft, the
category of apprentice is hereditary, it is believed that the son
needs not to learn the craft, naturally the son will known it.
Skill acquisition in Iron industry is tested by constant
allocation of both major and minor production and the ability of
the apprentice to do the job perfectly well, this time independently
certifies that he has mastered the skill. The graduating apprentice
will be allowed to take along with him all moveable tools which he
had used or manufacture for himself under the master.
4:4
RITUAL ASPECT OF IRON WORKS
Ogun is a deity of Iron and war. He is preeminently the
patron of god of Blacksmith, hunters, warrior and all who deal in
Iron and steel.
Ugiogun (Ugie – Ogun) is one of the prominent and famous
festival that is normally held in Benin. The purpose of the festival
is in two fold; first, it is a thanksgiving for all disturbances already
overcame. Secondly, it is an appeasement and a propitiation to wad
of accidents, conflicts, war and strife. There is an enormous Ogun
shrine in the palace. It is called Ogun Oba and is a dreaded deity.
Practically every household in the city especially those of the
chiefs contains an Ogun shrine became any one who uses any ‘Iron
xxxvii
tool is beholding to the deity, Ogun is a national deity and he has
shrines of various sizes all over the kingdom. Each shrine is the
preserve of an Ogiogun (Ogun priest)
His favorite attire is made of Ododo (scarred – colour of
blood) and his favorite sacrificial victim is the (Ekita). The annual
festival is always in the middle of the dry season (Uyunmun) used
to last for seven days.
In modern times, drivers and cyclists look forward toward
him for protection against accidents. His shrine is also found in of
house and at the smithy. The most important symbol of Ogun is
Iron.
xxxviii
NOTE AND REFRENCE
1. Agbontan K.A. Department of sociology and Anthropology.
University of Benin. “An Assessment of Four centuries (15th
– 19th) of Benin Art production in evaluating the role of the
craft guild system in Benin polity”
2. Igbafe P.A. The guild system in Benin, paper presented at the
exhibition, the lost treasures of Ancient Benin. May 1982,
National museum, Benin City, Nigeria.
3. Ibid
4. Sampson, J.M. 1936. A political intelligence repot on the
Benin division of the Benin province. NNAI
5. Samson, E.O. Personal Interview, Benin City. August 12,
2010.
xxxix
CHAPTER FIVE
INFLUENCE OF COLONIALISM ON IRON
INDUSTRIES
5:1
ADVENT OF COLONIAL RULE.
In 1485, the Portuguese got to Benin and with that a new era
opened in Benin history. The Portuguese came with two main
commodities, Christianity and international trade. At first there
was much enthusiasm on both sides but soon it became clear that
the honeymoon would not last long. The Portuguese on their side
had every hope that the Benin Empire was a fertile soil for planting
Christianity.
Benin City fell to a British primitive military force on
17 Feb. 1897, learning aside the complex debacle; we need to note
that the immediately precipitating event was on attack some six
weeks earlier on a British delegation made a route to seek
negotiations with Oba. It main declared being to persuade him to
remove embargoes which he had placed on external trade and to
settle the rift between the Oba and Itsekiri merchants the complex
incident that was move of economic interest than otherwise, started
when one Philips in his new capacity as the acting consul – general
visited Benin River early in November 1896 he found that all the
market in the Oba’s territory had again been closed.
After conferring with Gateway, the Itsekiri chiefs and British
commercial agents Philips sent a lengthy dispatch to the foreign
office rehearsing the history of the protectorates relation with
Benin and the recent threat the kingdom is giving the commercial
interest of the British agent, he accordingly advised the Itsekiri to
xl
give no more present of ‘trade’ to the Oba infact he did not
intended for peaceful any longer, the removal of the Oba was what
he contended, the only possible solution, and asked for a cabled
authority to effect at which reads thus:
‘Therefore ask his lordship permission to visit Benin
city in February next to dispose and remove the king of
Benin, and to establish a native council in his place and
take further steps for the opening up of the country as
the occasion may require’
Through he did not articulate any serious resistance – there is
every reason to believe that they would be glad to rid off the king,
he will take with him a of force 250 protectorate troops, 150
Hausas, 27 ponders and one maxim for which all calculations as to
a ammunition supplies ration e.t.c have already been employed,
preparing all necessary information for the carry out of offensive
operations and the approach to Benin city is now fairly well know.
On the 3rd of January 1897, Benin people learnt to its
consternation that a party of seven officials, two British traders and
move than two hundred carriers were assembled of Ughotan on
this point Ovonravnwen and his advisers became nervous and they
called a meeting whether to allow the strangers to see the Oba or
not, they sent people to meet Philips and his company to see if they
had arrived or not when they saw that they were not armed, they
related a bit, when the British saw that they were relax they struck
and the main column struck north ward and, on 18th of Feb. Benin
city was in the heads of the foreigner the Benin own their own with
their limited weapon and military might gave a fierce opposition
and resistance at ughton but the British superiority won the day.
Ovonrannwen remained in his palace until the enemy were at
the gate of the city and a elance rocket landed in one of the court
yards, he was than persuaded to leave with most of his chiefs and
number of his wives to seek refuge else where in the kingdom, two
days after, the conquest a great five swept through Benin city an
the environ carrying away, in its flare the remain of an epoch.
xli
5.2
COLONIAL INFLUENCE ON THE
INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY
Available record have shown that the product of local
technology were important item of trade with the Europeans. For
example, the indigenous textile and leather materials were
recorded to be prominent article of trade with the Europeans.
Given this background, it is therefore a matter of concern to note
the deteriorating condition of the indigenous technology in the
subsequent year of euro – Nigeria relation.
It is important to remind us in this respect of the ugly
experience of the European slave trade, the corollary of which was
a terrille depletion of the local population. Among those enslaved
and shipped to overseas countries were local artsan and
technologist who were involved in our aspect of the indigenous
industries or the other. This brought a serious setback to the growth
of the Nigeria local industries.
The Christian missionary activities and western education
also combined to impact negatively on the traditional scheme of
things. Central to the Christian evangelical activities for instance,
was the Conversion of the traditional believers to the Christian
religion. Those that were converted did not only abandon their
traditional faith but were equally ideologically influenced by the
white man’ culture for instance, the imposition of Christianity
militated against development of iron working and the
condemnation of the gods of igun (Ogun) of which has relation
with iron works against this background, the colonial education
directly condemned ‘idol worship’.
Western education on the hand, was to raise a crop of
indigenous population who could be of assistance to the white men
as interpreters, messengers, cleaners,
Gardeners, guards, e.t.c many Africans therefore, flux into the
urban centers where this but degrading and exploitative labour
employment was available. The effect of this was that most people
xlii
lost their grips on traditional practice including indigenous
technology.
Importantly, the effect of legitimate trade introduced by the
Europeans to replace slave trade to make the colonies dumping
ground for Europeans industrials goods. In effect, filled the skill
and initiative of the countries and made them dependant or foreign
good. European manufactured goods like sophisticated weapons,
metal wares, textile product and consumer goods were imported
into Africa, which not only change the taste of The Africans
consumer but also brought out market, all competiting indigenous
product.
The iron technology industry in particular suffered serious set
back as a result of indiscriminate importation Europeans metal
ware. This is because, not only are the imported substitute of its for
them what is now left is the production of agriculture implements
like hoe, cutlass, sickle, and others which is still being used by
farmer majority of whom cannot afford machinzed techniques the
effect of this discrimination importation of Europeans metal wares
was that it discouraged development of skill by the indigenous iron
workers. This situation, according to Rodney is called
“technological Aresst” or stagnation. Since people became
dependant on already made imported goods most cases it less
durable than the traditional metal goods the imputation of
European metal goods made many people forget the traditional
techniques which our forefather used in iron smelting.
Taxation was another important factor of destructions
technology. The general phenomenon of colonialism was that
every colony must pay for the cost of it own exploitation,
consequently various types of taxation were introduced payable in
cash and labour. This introduced a type of monetary economy
which made many Africans seek other trades which would earn
them moment pay such taxes. As such, many of them took up
appointment with the colonial administration as laborers and
carriers as explain above. The effect of this was that many
xliii
indigenous craft industries like Iron industry suffered development
from traditional technology to modern technology.
5.3
INTRODUCTION OF EUROPEAN GOODS
AND THE INCIDENCE ON IRON INDUSTRY
The major effect of legitimate trade introduced by the
European to replace slave trade is to make the colonies dumping
ground for European industrial goods. In effect it filled the skill
and initiative of the countries and made them dependant or foreign
goods. Europeans manufactured goods like sophisticated weapons,
metal ware, textile products and consumer goods were imported
into African which not only change the taste of the African
consumers but also brought out of market all competiting
indigenous products.
The iron technology industry suffered serious set back as a
result of indiscriminate importation of European metal wares. This
is because not only are the imported substitute of its products
cheaper, it drastically reduced demand for Them. What is now left
is the production of agricultural implement likes hoe, cutlass,
sickle and other which are still being used by farmers’ majority of
whom cannot afford mechanized techniques.
The effect of this indiscrimination importation of European
metal wares was that it discouraged development of skill by the
indigenous iron workers. This situation according to Rodney is
technological Arrest’ or stagnation and in some cases actual
regression, since people become dependent on already made
imported
goods. They are in most cases less durable than the traditional
metal products. The unrestricted importation of European metal
goods also made many people forget the traditional techniques
which our fore father used in iron smelting and smithing. Iron
working is on the decline because of the introduction of specialized
craftsmen as mechanics who repair cars, motorcycles and bicycles
which are used on roads. The economic viability of the
blacksmiths have become a thing of the past because of the
xliv
importation of the Europeans metal wares like knives, cutlasses
steel pots and weapons which are not only cheaper but more
attractive, although some of them are less durable, but it has
succeeded incrushing the native industry and killing the initiative
of the indigenous craftsmen.
Many products of the iron industry have found one substitute
or the other from European imported goods. The effect is that it
further shifted the demand from locally produced wares the foreign
ones and this gradually reduced the number of blacksmiths found
in Benin. For instance locally made fore for cooking (Erun) is now
replaced by importation of stores, electric and gas cookers of
different types also traditional weapons of war and hunting have
been replaced by modern and more sophisticated European
weaponry. Iron pot (Ege) and others locally produced are now
being replaced by Europeans imported stainless, steel pots, plate
and other kitchen and table sets.
In the realm of fundamental products, the iron worker
bracelets, rings and other fundamental wares have found
replacement in imported metal bangles rings and earring of
different shades beautifully designed for decorative purpose.
The British intervention n Benin kingdom led to a period of
description, this contributed to the decline of the guild system
which was earlier regard as a king instrument of co-operative intergroup relation and for the development substance of the indigenous
craft and industry, the intervention had tremendous effect on the
guild system, for example new economic appointees created by
the colonialist through education enabled the indigenous people to
serve as court Clarks, clerical officers, store keepers, cooks and
native, local science and technology.
Inclusively, introduction of vocational trading centers like
the National directorate of employment all over Nigeria,
contributed in a great deal to shifting away interest from traditional
Iron industry.
xlv
Reference
Ade Ajayi J.F (ed) The History of west Africa volume II London,
longman group ltd. 1973.
xlvi
Crother, M. Africa under colonial rule. London fianbkeass and
co. ltd.
Fagg W. (ed)
1974
the living Arts of Nigeria: London studio viasta,
G. T. Stride and Caroline Ifeka,
Africa
Hodge, Allison:
London 1982
Peoples and Empires of West
A Nigerian traditional Art, Ethnographic ltd,
Obaro Ikime, The fall of Nigeria, the British conquest, Ibadan
1977 pg 145-159
R.A OLaoye,
Nigeria
Rodney, W
History of indigenous science and technology in
How European underdeveloped Africa.
CONCLUSION
xlvii
This essay deals mainly with the indigenous technology, a
case study of Benin Iron works in the 19th century. In the course of
discussion, attempts have been made to bring into a bold of relief
the rich endowment of the Nigeria communities in Iron technology
(it is one of the many technologies available in Nigeria) based on
the traditional skills and techniques of the people.
We have examined in this work Benin in the pre-colonial era,
how she had been able to harness her environment through active
participation of indigenous technology and through utilization of
local materials and natural resources and with these she was able to
emerge as a sophisticated society in the period under review.
We also examined various Nigeria communities and were
able to come with evidence that indigenous technology existed in
Nigeria and Africa at large likewise we are able to discuss the
guild and the Apprenticeship system in Iron industry in Benin. And
also, we discuss the influence of European rule on indigenous
technology in Nigeria.
By and large we had been able to acknowledged the fact that
Africa has technology worthy of studying and to buttress the fact
that African are intelligent enough to process Iron technology.
It is therefore unfortunate, that indigenous artisan in Iron
technology had suffered neglect due to the elusive pursuit of
modern technology, westernization which came in the wake of
European influence and rejected of Africa values.
Significantly, unless we recognized our indigenous
traditional values and harness them into a sound base for
technological take off, the ridiculous talk of transfer of technology
from other countries will continue to be a fleeing illusion. The
technology ascendancy of Japan, china, Brazil e.t.c. was never as a
result of technology transfer, but, the secret of these success lies in
the fact they recognized their own natural potential which they
exploited. Nigeria could do the same in our forgotten indigenous
industries.
In Nigeria, similar technological breakthrough could be
achieved in country’s national development through pragmatic
xlviii
policy and determine effort at the development and modernization
of the indigenous crafts. Adequate attention should be given by
Iron workers by improving the craft and skill of the practitioners
for the purpose of integration into the modern process of Iron
technology. This is because National development that derives
from within the socio-economic environment of the people is
likely to be more useful in dealing with their problems. Afterwards, the modern advance technology owes its origin to simple
arts and crafts. Therefore, as it was the case in of the developed
nation like Britain where the local artisans were in the vanguard
industrial revolution.
Nigeria could also wake a scientific break through and
Technological advancement by evolving a pragmatic and sustained
policy of developing the traditional art craft. Thus, it is the
submission of this work that, the government should give a serious
attention to the modernization of the policy option for an
indigenous based sciences and technology in the country.
xlix
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