The Lower Niger Bronzes
Beyond Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin
1st Edition
Published on 27. July 2020
250 pages
978-1-000-09687-3 (ISBN)
Description
This book demonstrates that copper-alloy casting was widespread in southern Nigeria and has been practiced for at least a millennium.
Philip M. Peek's research provides a critical context for the better-known casting traditions of Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin. Both the necessary ores and casting skills were widely available, contrary to previous scholarly assumptions. The majority of the Lower Niger Bronzes, which we know number in the thousands, are of subjects not found elsewhere, such as leopard skull replicas, grotesque bell heads, ritual objects, and humanoid figures. Important puzzle pieces are now in place to permit a more complete reconstruction of southern Nigerian history.
The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, African studies, African history, and anthropology.
Philip M. Peek's research provides a critical context for the better-known casting traditions of Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin. Both the necessary ores and casting skills were widely available, contrary to previous scholarly assumptions. The majority of the Lower Niger Bronzes, which we know number in the thousands, are of subjects not found elsewhere, such as leopard skull replicas, grotesque bell heads, ritual objects, and humanoid figures. Important puzzle pieces are now in place to permit a more complete reconstruction of southern Nigerian history.
The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, African studies, African history, and anthropology.
More details
Series
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
16 Illustrations, color; 61 Illustrations, black and white
ISBN-13
978-1-000-09687-3 (9781000096873)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
04/2022
1st Edition
Routledge
€60.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Book
07/2020
1st Edition
Routledge
€179.81
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Philip M. Peek is Professor Emeritus at Drew University and a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution. He has also previously edited African Folklore: An Encyclopedia, with Kwesi Yankah (Routledge, 2004).
Content
1. Introduction: Fagg's Prophecy, Previous Research, and Lower Niger Bronze Forms 2. Historical and Ethnographic Background 3. Southern Nigerian Copper-Alloy Components, Sources, and Analyses 4. Manillas and Bracelets 5. Replicas, Skeumorphs, and Vessels 6. The ?v?/?f?/Ovuo Complex 7. Human and Humanoid Figures 8. Heads, Faces, and Costume Masks 9. Leopard Skulls, Ram's Heads, Hippopotami, and Other Creatures 10. "Pectorals, Hip Ornaments, and Waist Pendants" or Pendant Plaques 11. Bells and Bell Heads 12. Scepter Finials and the "Aro Knot" 13. "Tsoede Bronzes," "Enowe's Girdle," and "Death Rings" - More Mysteries 14. The End Game: Possible Solutions for an Ongoing Puzzle
