9.4 ? Peoples of the Forest and Plains Introduction Apart from the peoples of the savanna and eastern coast, most Africans were following their own lines of development Agriculture, herding, and the use of iron implements were widespread Some large and complex states formed; most were preliterate and transmitted knowledge by oral methods. Artist and Kings: Yoruba and Benin In the central Nigerian forests, the Nok culture flourished between 500 B.C.E. and 200 C.E.; developed a realistic art style; practiced agriculture and used iron tools After the Nok disappeared, there was a long gap before the reappearance of regional artistic traditions after 1000 C.E