Observation

This question was fairly popular and reasonably well answered. The question demands mentioning of the materials used in pottery making in the traditional Nigerian societies and ways indigenous industry was important rather than the problems as discussed by most of the candidates who attempted the question. However, candidates were expected to mention the underlisted points:

(a)       

(i)         Clay/the clay.                                      (vii)      Smooth stones.
(ii)        Sticks.                                                 (viii)     Maize cobs.
(iii)       Water/fresh water.                              (ix)       Plates/calabash.
(iv)       Rags.                                                   (x)        Fire wood/charcoal.
(v)        Palm fruit.                                           (xi)       Knives.
(vi)       Tools for digging; e.g. hoes.

(b)       

(i)         Iron working provided employment for those engaged in it.
(ii)        Income/wealth was derived from the sale of the product like bowls, arrow heads,   hoes, spears etc.
(iii)       Smelted iron was used for the manufacture of hoes, cutlasses, and axes etc. for farming purposes.
(iv)       Iron weapons were used for hunting.
(v)        Iron weapons were used for wars and protection.
(vi)       Iron objects were used for personal adornment.

(vii)      Iron bugles, gongs, flutes and other musical instruments were used for merry making on festive occasions.
(viii)     Iron items were used for religious purposes.
(ix)       Smelted iron was used for storing precious items like cloth/clothes.
(x)        Iron products were used as gift items.
(xi)       Iron also provided items of trade.
(xii)      Iron was used for molding currency.
(xiii)     Iron tools were used for fishing.
(xiv)     Iron provided revenue to the community.