Final answer:
The lost wax technique was used in central Africa from the 9th century to create small bronze sculptures with intricate details.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the central part of Africa, the lost wax technique was developed to cast small bronze sculptures as early as the 9th century. The lost-wax casting method has been used for millennia and was practiced in the Benin Kingdom, where artisans created detailed molds in wax, which were then covered with clay. When the mold was heated, the wax would melt away, leaving a cavity into which molten bronze could be poured, creating intricate and permanent sculptures. This technique allowed for the creation of complex artwork with high precision and was fundamental to the development of metalworking in African cultures.