Ancient Careers of Africans: Before Technology, Africans had several occupations that were peculiar to them. Some of these occupations were specified for each region. For example, the Nok people were blacksmiths. Similarly, the occupations of the nomads were cattle rearing. The people of life prospered with their iron-smithing.
Furthermore, this different specialization of occupation sparked trade unions amongst different tribes. It also cultivated and built new empires as well as expanding empires.
Ancient Careers of Africans
Hunting
Most hunting in Africa is conductedin groups. Hunters of each community move together searching for game or tracks of game. Every catch is brought by the hunter to his family or at large extended family to be devoured. Hunters also used their catch as a means of trade, games were traded with farmers for farm produce. Additionally, weavers would often trade the skin of the animals caught by lion to make cloths and textile in exchange of cloths already made by them. Hunters who killed any of the Lions, Leopards, Bufallo and Elephants were considered great hunters and respected within the community.
Blacksmithing
Blacksmiths emerged in West Africa around 1500 BCE. They are feared in some societies for their skill in metalworking, and are considered a form of magic. They are also much admired and hold high social status. Iron played a central role in many societies of early Africa. It held both spiritual and material power. Physically, Africans used iron to create tools for agriculture, utensils for everyday life, and weapons for protection and conquest
Farming And Husbandry
Farming occupation spreads across all the countries in the continent. West Africa had more farm produce cultivated. This significantly made West-Africa the largest export of farm produce in Africa.
Trading
Trading has always been an important occupation in Africa and across the globe. In Africa, trading has always been one tool that unites Africa and cultivates communism between countries. In Morocco, Tunisia and Lesotho, clothing, shoes and textiles are the biggest exports. Equally, cotton is vital to the economies of Mali, Togo and Benin. Similarly, in the south and central regions, precious metals and minerals are the biggest exports. This includes gold in Tanzania and South Africa, diamonds in Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and platinum in Zimbabwe. In the east, exports of food and drink are very important, including coffee, grains and livestock.
Weavers
Weavers are part of the Ancient careers of Africans. African weaving is a traditional form of textile art. The craft originated in Africa many years ago and is still a large part of African culture. Weaver Artists use specific and complex spinning and looming techniques to create a lot of things that includes basket weaving, clothing weaving, caps, chairs and so many other things. Some of the countries where this occupation is more rampant is Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and Senegal
Related Article: What African Art is known for
Warriors
Warriors were important in the large empires of Ancient Africa such as the Mali and the Songhai Empires. Professional warriors also kept the peace and maintained power for the emperor. Some of Africans greatest warriors are: Hatshepsutis, Yaa Asantewaa, Almamy Suluku, Hannibal, Ezana of Axum, Behanzin Hossu Bowelle and Mansa Kankan Musa.
