West Africa - Nok Culture

Day #1

Topography

(north) Sahara, Sahel, Savannah, Forests (south)

What happened during this time period 1,000 BCE to 200 CE

Animals were domesticated and grains were grown by the people in Savannah’s - sorghum, rice, millet

Nok culture

Existed from 900 BCE to 200 BCE in Nigeria. Disappeared mysteriously.

Terra-cotta statues

Still a mystery, statues have large eyes and elongated heads. They showed facial paralysis and elephantiasis, with human proportions. What do the statues represent, people of high statues or protective talismans against disease?

Iron objects and weapons

Started forging in 500 BC. Metal objects were used for trade and increased status of an individual. These objects were desired mainly because of their beauty.

Legal System of the Nok

Courts of differing levels, lower courts = family issues, higher courts = murder and theft. Crime brought curse on the family.