IRONWORK AS A VEHICLE FOR PROMOTING ART IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

  • Nzoiwu, Azuka Abigail Ph.D
  • Akhogba, Albert Ehi Ph.D
Keywords: Iron Work, Awka, Anambra State

Abstract

It has been observed that ironwork faces so many problems that limit its objective of providing jobs and producing item that could serve the needs of the populace. In contemporary society, people seem less interested in Ironwork while patronage has also reduced. This study investigated the origin and history of blacksmithing in Awka, examining the trends, and issues in the industry. The study also examined the current state of blacksmithing in Awka as well as its future. Descriptive survey was used for the study while the study area was Awka, Anambra State. The population of the study was all the registered members of the Blacksmith Association in Anambra State. They are 34 in number. The grounded theory approach was used in the analysis of data for the study. The result of this study showed that blacksmithing originated in Awka when a man from Ezeagu, in the present day Enugu State called Nebechi Uzo, visited Awka as a professional smith. It was also found that blacksmithing in the area has under gone many changes. Learning is done through apprenticeship method and it is also transferred from father to children. The result of this study also showed that blacksmithing is still being practiced but at a reduced rate. Finally, the result of this study showed that the future of blacksmithing in Awka is under threat as those who are currently in the trade do not have confidence in it. They are willing to abandon it if they get other opportunities. This suggests lack of interest on their part. The researcher recommends, among others, that the government of Anambra state should provide modern tools for blacksmithing in Awka and make them pay back in terms of tax.

Published
2022-06-16
Section
Articles