Back to: History SSS 1
Hello, my brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Have you ever wondered how people lived and thrived before modern machines and factories? The Nupe people, known for their creativity and skills, developed impressive indigenous technology, crafts, agriculture, and industries that helped their society grow.
Today, we will learn about the technological innovations, craftwork, farming, and industries that made the Nupe people successful before 1800.
Nupe: indigenous technology, craft agricultural activities and industry
1. Indigenous Technology of the Nupe People
The Nupe people, who live mainly in present-day Niger State and parts of Kwara and Kogi States, were highly skilled in metalwork, pottery, and textile production. Their advanced technologies helped them build strong communities and boost their economy.
a. Iron Smelting and Blacksmithing
The Nupe were experts in iron smelting, using furnaces to extract iron from ore.
They made hoes, cutlasses, and sickles for farming.
They also crafted weapons like spears, arrows, and swords, which were used for defence and hunting.
b. Pottery Technology
The Nupe were famous for their beautiful pottery.
They used clay and natural dyes to create pots, bowls, and water jars.
These pots were used for cooking, storage, and trade with neighbouring societies.
c. Textile and Weaving Technology
The Nupe people produced handwoven cotton fabrics.
They used natural dyes to create colourful and patterned cloth.
Their textiles were exported to other regions for trade.
d. Boat-Making Technology
Because of their location near rivers like the Niger River, the Nupe developed boat-making skills.
They made canoes and fishing boats, which helped them with transportation, trade, and fishing.
e. Building and Architecture
The Nupe built their houses using mud bricks and thatched roofs, which kept homes cool during hot weather.
They decorated their buildings with beautiful carvings and patterns.
2. Craftwork of the Nupe People
The Nupe were known for their amazing craftsmanship, producing high-quality goods that were sold across West Africa.
a. Pottery and Ceramics
Nupe pottery was famous for its unique designs and durability.
Women were the primary potters, making items like water pots, cooking pots, and decorative vases.
b. Wood Carving
Skilled Nupe craftsmen carved wooden doors, stools, masks, and drums.
These woodworks were used for decoration, music, and religious ceremonies.
c. Bead Making
The Nupe people were known for creating beautiful beads from glass and clay.
These beads were used for jewellery, royal regalia, and trade.
d. Leather Work
Leatherworkers made shoes, bags, belts, and saddles.
Their leather products were highly valued in local and international markets.
e. Brass and Bronze Work
The Nupe were also skilled in brass and bronze casting, making ornaments, idols, and royal insignia.
These crafts were mostly used by kings and wealthy individuals.
3. Agricultural Activities of the Nupe People
Farming was the main economic activity of the Nupe people. They developed advanced farming techniques to grow crops and raise animals.
a. Crop Farming
The Nupe cultivated millet, sorghum, rice, yams, and groundnuts.
They grew cotton, which was used for textile production.
Farming was done using hoes, cutlasses, and ploughs, sometimes pulled by animals.
b. Fishing
Due to their location near the Niger River, fishing was an important activity.
Fishermen used canoes, nets, and traps to catch fish for food and trade.
c. Animal Rearing
The Nupe raised cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry.
These animals provided milk, meat, leather, and manure for farming.
d. Irrigation Farming
The Nupe used irrigation methods to water their crops during dry seasons.
They built canals and wells to provide water for farming.
4. Industry in the Nupe Kingdom
The Nupe had a thriving industrial economy, producing goods for local use and trade.
a. Iron and Blacksmithing Industry
Blacksmiths played a crucial role in making tools for farmers and weapons for warriors.
This industry supported agriculture, hunting, and security.
b. Pottery Industry
Pottery was a major industry, with products sold in markets across Nigeria.
Nupe pots were used for cooking, storage, and cultural ceremonies.
c. Textile Industry
The Nupe produced handwoven cotton fabrics dyed with natural colours.
Their textiles were highly valued and traded across West Africa.
d. Fishing Industry
The Nupe were skilled fishermen, supplying fresh and dried fish to different parts of Nigeria.
They also processed fish oil, which was used for cooking.
e. Trade and Commerce
The Nupe had vibrant markets where they traded farm produce, crafts, textiles, and metalworks.
They exchanged goods with the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo people.
Summary
The Nupe people were highly skilled in indigenous technology, craftwork, agriculture, and industries.
They used iron smelting, weaving, and pottery to produce valuable goods.
Their major crafts included wood carving, leatherwork, bead making, and brass work.
Agriculture was their main economic activity, with crops like millet, sorghum, rice, and yams.
The pottery, blacksmithing, and textile industries helped their economy grow.
Trade with other ethnic groups made them wealthy and influential in West Africa.
Evaluation
- Mention three examples of indigenous technology used by the Nupe people.
- What were the main crafts of the Nupe people?
- Name three crops grown by the Nupe.
- How did the fishing industry contribute to the Nupe economy?
- What industries helped the Nupe people become wealthy?
Fantastic job, superstar! You’ve just learned about the amazing skills and industries of the Nupe people before 1800. Keep exploring, keep learning, and remember—you are part of history too! See you in the next lesson!
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