The Iron Age

The Iron Age

The Late Stone Age was followed by the Iron Age. This era began 3,500 years BCE and continues to this day. It was during this era that human beings discovered iron and made iron tools. The soil containing iron ore was heated to high temperatures until molten metal and slag was produced. The molten metal was collected in special containers and later cooled, coagulated and moulded to make iron tools. Figure shows blacksmiths in the process of making iron tools.

Blacksmiths in the process of making iron tools

Types of iron tools and their uses

Iron tools were stronger, better and more durable than Stone Age tools. Some of the tools that were made included axes for cutting down trees, chopping meat and for security. Other tools were spears for hunting and for protection from enemies. Arrows were used to hunt large and small animals and birds. In addition, sickles were made for pruning and clearing areas for cultivating and planting various crops. Also, knives were made for slaughtering animals and cutting meat. Moreover, hoes were made for digging the farms, roots and soil to trace moles. Some of these tools are shown in Figures.

Some old iron tools without handles

Advantages of iron tools

Iron tools had a lot of benefits for the early human being. Some of the benefits include:

1. Expanding agricultural activities The effectiveness of iron tools enabled humans to expand agriculture by slashing bushes, cultivating land and planting crops in larger areas. In addition, people began raising livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep as well as birds such as chickens and ducks.

2. Population growth and community leadership Agricultural expansion contributed to food security as humans were able to produce various kinds of crops. So, people became healthy, reproduced and reduced the premature deaths of children caused by malnutrition. This situation led to the expansion of the community, hence, they need to introduce leadership system in the community.

3. Emergence of artisans and artists Having been assured of food, people had extra time to do other works. Thus, craftsmen and artisans emerged who produced working tools that were used by producers. For example, potters made pots and jars. Another group include weavers who made mats and baskets for household uses. Figures and show weavers and potters at work.

Weavers making various tools

4. Emergence of the division of labour and responsibilities in the household and in the society The increase in productive activities in the household stimulated the need for division of labour based on gender, age and peer groups. Men, performed difficult tasks such as hunting, clearing fields, cultivating, and protecting families or communities. Women, on the other hand, performed household chores such as cooking, raising children and caring for the elderly and the sick. Girls helped their mothers while boys grazed animals and helped their fathers.

5. The beginning of the exchange of goods Surplus production of different types of goods and farm produce within and outside communities stimulated the need for exchange of goods to meet their own needs. This was the beginning of a community-based trading.

6. Cultural change Developments resulting from the use of iron tools contributed to the changes in the culture of the respective communities, especially changes in dressing and language.

7. Clothing Early humans improved leather and bark clothes and they better covered and adorned themselves. They also protected themselves from the cold. In some communities the artisans crushed and softened the barks of special trees and made clothes for the community members.