History - Junior Secondary 2 - Relationships and differences that existed between different centres of civilization in pre-colonial Nigeria

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 9 and 10

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC: Relationships and differences that existed between different centres of civilization in pre-colonial Nigeria

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Explain the relationships that existed between Igbo/Niger-Delta states in pre-colonial Nigeria
2. ) Discuss the differences that existed between Igbo/Niger-Delta in pre-colonial Nigeria

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: recommended history textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 9

NOTE.

Relationships Between People from Different Centres of Civilization

Trade and Commerce

Trade was a fundamental aspect of interaction between the Igbo people and the Niger Delta states.

• Economic Interdependence: The Igbo were known for their agricultural products, crafts, and trade in items like yams, palm oil, and textiles. The Niger Delta states, rich in resources like fish and palm products, provided valuable goods that complemented Igbo offerings.
• Marketplaces: Major trading hubs, such as Onitsha and Port Harcourt, facilitated the exchange of goods between the Igbo and Niger Delta people, promoting cultural and economic exchanges.
• Cross-Cultural Interactions: Trade interactions fostered not only economic ties but also social relationships, allowing for the exchange of ideas and cultural practices.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural interactions flourished between the Igbo and the Niger Delta states, enriching both civilizations.

• Art and Craftsmanship: The Igbo were renowned for their artistry in wood carvings and metalwork, while the Niger Delta states were recognized for their intricate textiles and beadwork. Trade allowed for the sharing of artistic techniques and styles.
• Shared Festivals: Cultural festivals often involved participation from both groups, leading to the sharing of customs, music, dance, and traditional practices, thus reinforcing community ties.
• Language Influence: The interactions often led to borrowing of vocabulary and linguistic influences, enriching the languages spoken in both regions.

Political Alliances

Political relationships were often strengthened through alliances formed between the Igbo and Niger Delta states.

• Intermarriages: Marriages between leaders and influential families from both regions helped establish peace and cooperation, fostering political alliances.
• Diplomatic Relations: Envoys were sometimes sent between the Igbo and Niger Delta states to negotiate trade agreements and resolve disputes, further solidifying their political ties.
• Collective Security: In times of external threats, alliances were formed for mutual defense, creating a united front against common adversaries.

Warfare

While trade and cultural exchanges were prominent, conflicts also shaped the relationships between the Igbo and Niger Delta states.

• Territorial Disputes: Competition for resources and control over trade routes occasionally led to conflicts. These disputes sometimes necessitated the formation of alliances to strengthen positions against common enemies.
• Military Collaboration: In the face of external threats, the Igbo and Niger Delta states occasionally collaborated militarily, recognizing the importance of unity for survival.
• Post-Conflict Reconciliation: After conflicts, cultural celebrations and trade often served as means for reconciliation, helping to mend relationships between the two groups

EVALUATION:

1. How did trade routes between the Igbo and Niger Delta states facilitate cultural and economic exchanges?
2. In what ways did political alliances, such as intermarriages, strengthen relationships between the Igbo and Niger Delta peoples?
3. How did the sharing of festivals contribute to the cultural understanding between the Igbo and the Niger Delta states?
4. What role did warfare and territorial disputes play in shaping the interactions between the Igbo and Niger Delta states?
5. How did collective security measures influence the diplomatic relationships between the Igbo and the Niger Delta states during times of external threats?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 10

NOTE

Differences Between the Kanem-Bornu and Hausa States

Political Structure

The political organization of the Igbo and the Niger Delta states displayed notable differences.

• Igbo Governance: The Igbo people traditionally practiced a decentralized form of governance, characterized by democratic assemblies (or councils) known as “village assemblies,” where decisions were made collectively by elders and community members.
• Niger Delta Governance: In contrast, the Niger Delta states often had centralized authority under chiefs or kings, which led to a more hierarchical structure. Political power was usually concentrated in the hands of a few ruling families.

Culture and Customs

The cultural practices of the Igbo and Niger Delta states reflected their unique identities.

• Artistic Traditions: The Igbo are known for their masks, sculptures, and vibrant festivals, while the Niger Delta states are recognized for their unique traditional attires and crafts, such as elaborate beadwork and textile production.
• Social Customs: Differences in social customs, such as marriage practices, initiation rites, and burial traditions, highlight the distinct identities of each civilization. For instance, the Igbo often had elaborate marriage ceremonies involving traditional dowries, while the Niger Delta states had different customs reflecting their cultural values.

Religious Beliefs

Religion played a significant role in shaping the identities of both civilizations.

• Igbo Traditional Religion: The Igbo traditionally practiced a polytheistic religion with a focus on ancestral worship, divinities, and a belief in the supreme God, known as Chukwu.
• Niger Delta Religious Practices: The Niger Delta states had diverse religious practices that included worship of nature spirits, deities, and ancestors, with strong influences from the surrounding rivers and water bodies, which played a significant role in their spiritual beliefs.

EVALUATION:   

1. What are the key differences in the political structures of the Igbo and Niger Delta states?
2. How do the artistic traditions of the Igbo compare to those of the Niger Delta states in terms of techniques and cultural significance?
3. What variations exist in social customs, such as marriage and initiation rites, between the Igbo people and the Niger Delta states?
4. How do the religious beliefs of the Igbo people differ from those of the Niger Delta states in terms of deities and practices?
5. In what ways do the environmental influences shape the cultural identities of the Igbo and Niger Delta states differently?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively