CONTINUITY OF BENIN’S TECHNOLOGICAL INDUSTRY IN THE COLONIAL PERIOD

SUMMARY

This had revealed that indigenous technological industry has been acclaimed to be a factor that was responsible for the sustenance of the ancient Benin Kingdom for the period of which its lasted – 1897, but with the advance of the colonial rule retarded the development. In addition, that level of development seemed to be in doubted in view of the technological predicament that has bedeviled Nigeria state. The research revealed that the continuity of Benin’s technological industry in the colonial period, origin of Benin technological industry, the effect of colonial rule on Benin’s technological industry, the level of productivity in Benin technological industry during colonial rule, and the areas of continuity in Benin’ technological industry. The work revealed that the Oba of Benin and the Chiefs, and craftsmen identified with Benin carvings and castings as our olden days photographs and this is because craft were only capture but preserve images of (Obas, people and animals), for the Edo nation. It was showed, that historically, technological industry/system actually began in the reign of Ogiso kings, but remnant can be traced to the age of the Odionwere. In an effort to create an economic reform, Ogiso Ere embarked on the development of multiple industry. These technological industry in pre-colonial Benin were form or organised on the basis of what they produced or manufactured, there were such industry as wood workers (Owina), the cavers (Igbesamwan), leather 65 workers (Esohian), the hunters (Ohue), the weavers (Owinanido) the pot makers (emakhe) etc. Benin kings understood the advantages from the formation of the guilds system with monopolistic rights to serve them. It was a deliberate effort to foster the monarchical institution and economic welfare of the people in Benin.