Abstract:
The study adopted the historical-survey method to investigate the nine Local Government Areas of the Idoma territory of Benue State. It provides proof of iron smelting and blacksmithing in the traditional Idoma society and recommends the re-establishment and reinvigoration of iron smelting and blacksmithing in the area as a way of empowering the rural population. In view of the rapid development in building and road constructions in Idoma area, this study also draws the attention of the local and state governments to the need for sponsoring an urgent archaeological excavation in the Idoma area. This may help to salvage the existing sites from further destruction. Some field problems encountered in the study were rapid destruction of some sites as a result of development in the area—iron smelting sites being inhabited by families and also the digging of graves for burial in some other sites—thereby hindering future excavation.
