The correct answer is: They were more efficient and lighter than stone tools and weapons.
Explanation:
Iron tools and weapons were an advantage to the Bantu due to their superior properties compared to stone tools and weapons. Here's how you can arrive at this answer:
1. Start by analyzing each option:
- "They were easy to find": This statement is not entirely accurate. While iron ore can be found in various regions, it requires specialized knowledge and techniques to extract and refine the iron. Therefore, accessibility alone does not fully explain why iron tools and weapons were an advantage.
- "They were cheaper to make than stone tools and weapons": This statement is also not true. Iron tools and weapons require more labor and resources to produce compared to stone tools, which can be created by shaping and sharpening rocks. Therefore, the cost factor does not explain the advantage of iron tools and weapons.
- "They had religious value": While artifacts made of iron might have held religious significance for certain cultures, this statement does not explain why iron tools and weapons were advantageous in a practical sense.
- "They were more efficient and lighter than stone tools and weapons": This statement is correct. Iron tools and weapons possess several advantages over stone tools. The durability, hardness, and sharpenability of iron allow for more efficient cutting and shaping, making these tools more effective for various tasks. Additionally, iron is lighter than stone, enabling users to carry and handle tools and weapons with greater ease and agility.
2. Based on the analysis above, the option "They were more efficient and lighter than stone tools and weapons" is the most suitable answer. It accurately reflects the practical advantages of iron tools and weapons over their stone counterparts.
Therefore, the correct answer is: They were more efficient and lighter than stone tools and weapons.