Which of the following was a significant trade commodity in the pre-colonial Kingdom of Benin?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which commodity was significant in the trade of the pre-colonial Kingdom of Benin (in present-day Edo State, Nigeria). Benin flourished from about the 13th to the 19th century.

Step 2: Recall the concept Benin's economy rested on agriculture, craftsmanship, and long-distance trade, especially after contact with the Portuguese in the late 1400s. The main trade goods were:

• Ivory from elephants in the surrounding forests, which was also carved into masks, bracelets and other royal art
• Pepper (the Guinea or malagueta pepper)
• Palm oil and palm products
• Cloth
• Slaves (this became more prominent in later periods)
• Brass and bronze works (made from manillas obtained through trade)

Benin exported ivory, pepper and cloth, and imported items such as coral beads, brass manillas, and cowries.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. Ivory: Correct. It was a major export and was controlled by the Oba (king), who held a royal monopoly over the trade.
• B. Gold: Gold was a key commodity of the Akan states and the Ghana, Mali and Songhai empires, not Benin. The "Gold Coast" is the clue, since that name refers to present-day Ghana.
• C. Rubber: Rubber became important in the colonial era, so it does not fit the pre-colonial period.
• D. Salt: Salt was important in trans-Saharan trade, such as the Taghaza salt mines, and was not a defining Benin commodity.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. Ivory.

Exam tip: Link each kingdom to its signature goods:

• Benin = ivory, pepper, brass
• Ghana, Mali, Songhai = gold and salt
• Oyo = cloth, and trade through its cavalry-led empire
• Niger Delta city-states = palm oil