Economics (Jenne-Jeno, West Africa)

The Niger River provided nutrients for successful farming, as well as clay for pottery, but iron, which was important since the economy of Jenne-Jeno thrived on iron metallurgy, had to be imported. The people of Jenne-Jeno traded grain, fish, and meats in return for salt, iron, and copper. Jenne-Jeno was an important center for trade. Boats were used to travel the Niger and donkeys were used to travel by land during long distance trade.

Social and Political Developments (Jenne-Jeno, West Africa)

Before the middle of the fifth century CE, there were little to no social organizational changes. The people of Jenne-Jeno lived in small settlements, separated by occupations, centered on a middle city. The city functioned in equality except segregated occupational groups that often intermarried. Jenne-Jeno was run very differently from most other places, without political authority or warfare.

Art (Jenne-Jeno, West Africa)

Ironworking provided many forms of jewlery and other decorative items in Jenne-Jeno. Extrodinary terracotta figurines depicting humans have also been found at the ruins of this city.



yale.edu

Terracotta Figurine

Geography (Jenne-Jeno, West Africa)

The ancient city of Jenne-Jeno was located along the Niger River south of Timbuktu in present day Mali. The areas near the river that were subject to flooding, or the floodplain, were very suitable for farming.