Tag Archive for: Processing

This paper gives general account of iron work industry (Blacksmithing) in Adamawa emirate, which have been an integral subsector of the manufacturing agricultural, domestic tools and indigenous weapons. Smithing is the act of turning mined ores into useful metal objects. There are two parts of smithing: smelting and forging. Smelting means using a furnace to convert ores into metal bars. Forging means hammering metal bars on anvil to make weapon pieces of armour, dart tips and more. The industry contributes to the growth and development of commercial activities and livelihood of the people of Yola (Adamawa) and their neighbours. It is worthy to note that the history of iron work activity in Yola shows the evolution and exposed the region in the face of wider world with its technological advancement. The paper adopted both primary and secondary sources of data collection because many researches undertook in the region were mostly focused on socio-political than economic history of the region especially on iron work industry which was neglected. Therefore, research on iron works should give light on the activities of blacksmithing in Yola area and its significant to the economic growth and development of the area.