Towards a resuscitation of indigenous iron technology among the Igede of central Nigeria

Indigenous iron working was the only means by which the Igede of central Nigeria sourced their various kinds of iron objects, which served as farming implements and weapons for hunting or battle in pre-colonial times. However, with the commencement of colonial activities in the area, there was a gradual shift of emphasis from locally made iron objects to those that were traded into the area from outside. This shift continued steadily and has so far culminated in a complete neglect of the practice in contemporary times. Consequently, relics abound in many parts of Igede as evidence of extensive indigenous iron working that took place in such places in the past. This article provides a close examination of the point at which the practice actually began to decline, and the factors that were principally responsible for the decline. In the end, pragmatic suggestions are advanced on ways of reviving the practice, not only as a way of restoring an invaluable aspect of the people's cultural heritage, but also as a way of enhancing the local economy of the people

Ancient history · Archaeology · Battle · Colonialism · Cultural heritage · Indigenous · Neglect · African history and culture analysis · Medicine · Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts · Ecology · History

• Indigenous African Metallurgy

  Sue Child, S Terry Childs et al.•Annual Review of Anthropology•1993

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