African Weapons & Tools

The tools and weapons that were used in African nations and tribes were essential to their survival. Weapons were crafted to use in wars and to defend tribes. These weapons include swords, daggers, knives, spears, axes, and shields. Some of the weapons and tools crafted were made from copper and brass, but eventually they were crafted with iron and steel. The changed occurred because iron and steel was stronger and more resistant than copper and brass.

In some tribes, before a warrior went into battle, their weapon would be blessed in rituals for better use. Sometimes, items that were thought to be magical or have powers were put into the grips of the warrior’s weapon. This was done to protect the warrior and to increase his chance at victory in battle. The weapons were crafted by blacksmiths. Blacksmiths often melted iron ore, and then used a hammer and anvil to hammer the tool into shape. Some items were not only made for use in battle, but for everyday items as well, like the hammer.