They are even credited with the discovery of iron. With simple tools, iron was melted into knives, saws, and axes. They are known to work in gold, silver, copper, and bronze. The art objects that are still here today attest to the skill of the artists. Economic life was not the only feature of the African society.
Social life is another aspect of the way of life.
The family was the basis of social organization, just as it was politically. Although the eldest male was the head of the family, there was a widespread practice of tracing relationships through the mother. Children belonged to the family of the mother, whose eldest brother assumed all responsibility of the children's lives and actions. The wife was not considered a member of the father's family. Even after marriage, the wife continued to be a part of her own family.