Archaeology of Igbo-Ukwu

Igbo-Ukwu
Igbo ukwu face pendant.png
Igbo ukwu face pendant.png
Archaeology of Igbo-Ukwu is located in Nigeria
Archaeology of Igbo-Ukwu
Shown within Nigeria
LocationIgbo-Ukwu, Anambra State, Nigeria
Coordinates6°1′N 7°1′E / 6.017°N 7.017°E / 6.017; 7.017
History
BuilderKingdom of Nri
FoundedUnknown, but prior to 1000 AD
CulturesIgbo culture
Associated withIgbo people
Site notes
Excavation dates1959, 1964
ArchaeologistsThurstan Shaw

The archaeology of Igbo-Ukwu is the study of an archaeological site located in a town of the same name: Igbo-Ukwu, an Igbo town in Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. As a result of these findings, three excavation areas at Igbo-Ukwu were opened in 1959 and 1964 by Charles Thurstan Shaw: Igbo Richard, Igbo Isaiah, and Igbo Jonah. Excavations revealed more than 700 high quality artifacts of copper, bronze and iron, as well as about 165,000 glass, carnelian and stone beads, pottery, textiles and ivory beads, cups, and horns. The bronzes include numerous ritual vessels, pendants, crowns, breastplates, staff ornaments, swords, and fly-whisk handles.[1]

  1. ^ Apley, Alice (October 2001). "Igbo–Ukwu (ca. 9th century)". Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved December 15, 2014.