Explain any five features of the economy of the Igala people in pre-colonial period.

Answer Details

The Igala people, an ethnic group in Nigeria, had a diverse economy in the pre-colonial period. Some of the features of their economy include:

1. Agriculture: The Igala people were mainly farmers, cultivating crops such as yams, cassava, and maize. They also engaged in fishing and hunting, especially in the riverine areas.
2. Trade: The Igala people were active traders, both within their region and with other neighboring communities. They traded in goods such as salt, kola nuts, and palm oil, among others.
3. Craftsmanship: The Igala people were skilled in various forms of craftsmanship, including pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, and woodcarving. These crafts were not only for personal use but also for trading purposes.
4. Currency: The Igala people used cowries, brass rods, and other forms of currency for trading purposes. Cowries were particularly important as they were widely accepted in the region as a medium of exchange.
5. Social organization: The Igala people had a complex social organization that supported economic activities. The king, for example, played an important role in economic matters, including regulating trade and settling disputes. There were also various guilds and associations, such as the blacksmiths' guild and the palm wine tappers' association, which helped to organize economic activities within the community.

Overall, the Igala people had a diverse and thriving economy in the pre-colonial period, with agriculture, trade, craftsmanship, currency, and social organization all playing important roles.