2. Early Traditions from Nigeria:
Igbo Ukwu, Ife and Benin
900 A.D.—1897 A.D.

3. Igbo Ukwu: art of ancient Aristocracy
Igbo Ukwu art comes from 3 Archaeological sites in southeastern Nigeria:
(Igbo Richard, Igbo Isaiah and Igbo Jonah)
-consists of objects made from bronze, terracotta, beads and Ivory
-metal objects were made by the lost wax technique
-they are believed to date to around 1100 BP(900 AD)
-objects discovered in ancient burial chambers, shrines and storage areas
-made by sophisticated bronze casting techniques
Objects include bronze pendants, bowls, and shells

4. Flywhisk handle,
Igbo Ukwu,
Leaded bronze,
1100 BP
(900 A.D.)

5. Triton shell, Igbo Ukwu, Leaded bronze, 1100BP (900 A.D.)
Skeumorphic cast of an original object

6. Roped Vessel on a stand,
Igbo Ukwu,
Leaded bronze,
1100 BP (900 A.D.)

7. Ife: Origin of Art and Civilization
Art consists of objects in Terracotta, Leaded Brass, & Stone
--objects date to BP ( AD)
-art created for the ruling elite

8. Slightly elongated necks, with rolls of fat Careful modeling
Style elements:
Idealized naturalism
Striation on the face
Slightly elongated necks, with rolls of fat
Careful modeling
Heavily beaded figures with elaborate headdresses
Full length figures and busts

9. Head of an Ooni
(probably used in kingship rituals)
Ife, (Yoruba) Nigeria
Leaded brass BP
(12th-15th Cent.)

10. Head of a ritual specialist,
Ife (Yoruba) Nigeria
Terracotta BP
(13th- 15th Cent)
Outer /Inner Beauty
(Ewa/Iwa)

11. Entwined Royal Couple,
Ife, Nigeria
Leaded Brass
12th -15th Cent.

12. Head of a female Ooni
Ife (Yoruba) Nigeria
Terracotta BP
(12th -13th Cent)

13. Found in southwestern Nigeria
The Royal Art of Benin
Found in southwestern Nigeria
Dynasty established by Oranmiyan an Ife Prince
-Objects consist of commemorative busts
and ritual items for members of the royal family
Vast majority of art made in bronze, terracotta, and ivory
Early Period (Warrior Kings i.e B.P )
Middle Period (Plaque Period, i.e B.P )
Late Period (Restoration Period i.e B.P )

14. Busts depict beaded collars Delicately rendered features
Style Elements
Thin castings,
Busts depict beaded collars
Delicately rendered features
Careful attention to details, in terms of surface ornamentation
Bust of Kings and Queen-mothers
Plaques, animal imagery etc.

15. Head,
Early Period,
B.P
( )
Bronze, 8.1/4in.

16. Warrior Chiefs, Bronze Plaque, 400-300 B.P, 18.7/8 in
Aesthetics of Emotional and Social Proportion.

17. Portuguese Soldier,
Plaque Period,
Bronze