The Bronze Legacy of the Lower Niger: Igbo-Ukwu’s Three Archaeological Sites
The Igbo-Ukwu archaeological finds, located in modern-day Anambra State, Nigeria, represent one of the most transformative discoveries in West African history and art. Dating back to the 9th century AD, these sites revealed a highly sophisticated culture, long before the well-known metalworking traditions of Ife and Benin, which themselves flourished centuries later. The sheer technical virtuosity and aesthetic complexity of the copper and bronze objects unearthed not only established the region as an independent center for artistic innovation but also provided profound insights into the social structure, ritual practices, and long-distance trade networks of the ancient Igbo people. The entire…
