What is the history of Igbo Ukwu?

History. The ancient site of Igbo Ukwu is situated in the modern day homelands of Igbo peoples of southern Nigeria. Archaeological finds were first discovered at this site in 1939 when an Igbo farmer named Isaiah Anozie chanced upon several bronze objects as he was digging a cistern to hold water in the dry season.

What was found at Igbo Ukwu?

In addition to a variety of ritual vessels (whose designs appear to reproduce the form of gourd vessels to which metal handles have been attached), many other bronze items have been found at Igbo-Ukwu, including pendants, crowns and breastplates, staff ornaments, swords, and fly-whisk handles.

What was found at the site of Igbo Ukwu Why was it an important archeological find?

Why was it an important archeological find? The Igbo Ukwu site contained an elite burial and shrine complex. It held the earliest known examples of copper alloy or bronze casting in Sub Saharan Africa. The site also increased historians’ understanding of both art and culture of West African civilizations.

When was Igbo Ukwu Museum established?

Founded in 1989 according to sources, the Igbo-Ukwu Museum comprises six sections.

What is the meaning of UKWU?

/Ukwu/ 1. Great. 2. A god of good fortune and the patron of travelers.

Who excavated Igbo Ukwu?

archaeologist Thurstan Shaw
It was not until 1959 that the archaeologist Thurstan Shaw excavated this site, known as Igbo Ukwu, and discovered that it must have been part of a storehouse for ritual objects (Shaw 1977).

What is the importance of Igbo Ukwu?

Archaeological significance Igbo-Ukwu is notable for three archaeological sites, where excavations have found bronze artifacts from a highly sophisticated bronze metal-working culture dating to 9th century AD, centuries before other known bronzes of the region.

What are the characteristics of Igbo Ukwu art?

Its delicate beaded lines, concentric circles, quatrefoils, and handles and bosses imitating twisted wire are typical of the ornate Igbo Ukwu style. Several similar bowls were found, and all are highly ornamented on the outer surface but smooth inside.

What are the occupational activities of Igbo Ukwu people?

Occupational Activities of the Igbo Ukwu people They were farmers, traders, smelters and arts technologists in pottery, bronze, copper and iron works.