Context: Recently, the scientists found traces of beeswax in prehistoric pottery of the West African Nok culture.

• It was one of the earliest known societies of Western Africa. 
• It existed in modern-day Nigeria from around 500 B.C.E. to 200 C.E.

Key Points

• The Nok people used to farmed crops and used iron tools. 
• According to recent research, the use of iron technology like tools, weapons by them can be traced back to 4th century B.C.E.
• They are significant for being one of very few civilizations in the world that transitioned from stone tools straight to iron tools without first learning how to make copper or bronze tools.

Sculptures 

• Nok culture is known for its unique terracotta sculptures.
• The artifacts were first discovered near the modern Nigerian town of Nok.
• These sculptures represent the oldest figurative art in Africa.
• Nok sculptures clearly depict the triangular or oval-shaped eyes on human faces. Human figures also often have elaborate hairstyles.
• In the sculptures, humans are depicted seated, with their hands on their knees.