British archaeologist Thurston Shaw led the first major excavation at Igbo-Ukwu in 1959. They uncovered three sites—named “Igbo Isaiah,” “Igbo Richard,” and “Igbo Jonah”—that revealed different aspects of Igbo-Ukwu society. Igbo Isaiah contained elaborate bronze objects like vessels and jewelry. Also, Igbo Richard showed evidence of an elaborate burial with glass beads, textiles, and bronze items. Igbo Jonah appeared to be a disposal site with ceramics and more bronze objects.
The bronze objects from Igbo-Ukwu are significant because of their intricate designs and meanings. For instance, there’s a Vase with Rope resembling a ceramic vase with knotted rope, but artisans actually crafted it from bronze. The Shell Vessel with Leopard features detailed designs of a leopard, showcasing the artists’ skills.
Some objects with leopard designs may symbolize power. There’s also a Double Egg Pendant that represents fertility and power, although its meaning isn’t entirely clear.
Craftsmen crafted these objects between the 9th and 11th centuries C.E., making them the oldest cast bronze objects in West Africa. The Igbo-Ukwu people actively participated in local and regional trade networks, potentially establishing connections with places like Egypt or India.
While precise information on how Igbo-Ukwu society structured itself or why the site was abandoned still eludes us, what we do know is that ancient Igbo-Ukwu thrived as a prosperous and interconnected society in what is now Nigeria, long predating other renowned Nigerian civilizations like Ile-Ife and Benin Bronze.
