It’s popularity in the Awka region bore testament to that fact that before they took up smithing the Awka were fierce and reputable hunter, Awka men were hired hunters far and wide beyond Anioma and within the Benin empire, they were often on contract to hunt fierce animals like elephants or leopards that were usually ravaging a community, some of them eventually stayed back and founded towns in those regions.

©Kaycee Alozie