PORTRAIT 10 - THE TRADITIONAL ECONOMY PROGRAMME EIGHT

Focuses on the traditional economic systems and organizations, such as the household, age grades, communal labour, savings associations, and markets. The programme takes off from the established premise that before the introduction of Western economy, it was not the practice for individuals or indigenous groups in Nigeria to sell their labour outside the constraints of slavery and hostage labour. The family was the basic unit of production.

This was supplemented by communal labour organized at the level of the village or of age sets. The market had other social and cultural significance besides its principal role as a centre of exchange.

House in Owerri Figure of a motor transport magnate and symbols of his (horse) power

This programme presents the similarities and contrasts in the economic side of the culture of Nigerian peoples which deserve attention as much as modes of worship and styles of dancing.