History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Igboukwu Town in Anambra state

 
Igbo-Ukwu, also known as Great Igbo, is a town located in the south-central region of Anambra State, Nigeria. The town is made up of three main quarters: Obiuno, Ngo, and Ihite (which itself is a combination of four quarters). Within each of these quarters, there are several villages and a total of thirty-six administrative wards. Igbo-Ukwu is bordered by towns such as Ora-eri, Ichida, Azigbo, Ezinifite, Amichi, Isuofia, Ikenga, and others.

##History
Igbo-Ukwu, originally called Igbo-Nkwo, served as the capital of the Kingdom of Nri from the 8th or 9th century CE. It was a central hub in an extensive trade network that connected it with Gao on the Niger bend, and further to Egypt and North Africa. Igbo-Ukwu was also a key center for lost-wax casting in bronze, one of the earliest such practices in Africa.

In 1938, the course of Igbo-Ukwu’s history changed when Isaac Anozie, while digging a well in his compound, uncovered a collection of intricately decorated bronze bowls. This discovery was monumental, reshaping the historical narrative of the region. The district officer, Mr. J.O. Field, recognized the significance of these findings and acquired several of the objects. In 1946, they were permanently housed at the Nigeria Museum in Lagos, which also housed the newly established Federal Department of Antiquities.

The Igbo-Ukwu bronzes are celebrated for their unique decoration, which distinguishes them from the renowned artistic traditions of Ife and Benin.

Origin: Unveiling Mysteries

The true origin of Igbo-Ukwu remains enigmatic, even to the local population. Although early assumptions linked the discovery to a recent find, based on the preservation of some cloth materials alongside the bronzes, further investigations into its ancient roots remain ongoing.

The Excavations: Thurstan Shaw’s Arrival

In November 1959, British archaeologist Thurstan Shaw was commissioned by the Nigerian Department of Antiquities to conduct a thorough excavation of Igbo-Ukwu. The excavation took place at three key locations, which were named Igbo-Isaiah, Igbo-Richard, and Igbo-Jonah for easy reference and cataloging.

Igbo-Isaiah Excavation: The first site unearthed a wealth of decorated bronzes, including bronze roped pots, altar stands, iron knives, globular pots with stoppers, bronze shells, copper spiral ornaments, cloth remnants, large and small bronze bowls, bead rows, and calabash pieces. The craftsmanship was sophisticated and distinct from the art styles of Benin and Ife, showcasing exceptional technical skill. These bronzes were likely used as sacred vessels by wealthy kings in rituals, with bronze staff heads symbolizing royal authority.

Igbo-Richard Site: This site provided valuable insights into Igbo burial practices and culture, though fewer art objects were uncovered. Among the discoveries were a tomb believed to belong to a priest-king, lined and roofed with wooden planks. The tomb contained a bronze leopard skull on a copper rod, a bronze figure of a horse rider, bracelets, anklets, and an extraordinary 100,000 beads, as well as scattered human remains. The deceased king appeared to have been seated on a stool, adorned with bracelets, with five slaves arranged around him.

Igbo-Jonah Site: Excavated four years later, this site produced fewer artefacts than the other two but still offered significant findings. Among the discoveries were decorated pots, a pottery vessel adorned with two snakes and a chameleon, as well as miscellaneous bronze items such as whistles, bells, and iron razors, providing further evidence of the region’s ancient culture.


##Significance of the Findings
The findings from Igbo-Ukwu are indicative of a society with significant wealth and social structure. While the bronze casting was likely conducted locally, materials such as glass for beads may have been imported from North Africa, and Islamic world influence is evident in some of the artefacts. These pieces demonstrate advanced crafting techniques, showcasing a level of expertise among early African artisans.

Dating: Echoes of the 9th Century

Radiocarbon dating has shown that the bronzes of Igbo-Ukwu date back over a thousand years, with many items originating in the middle of the 9th century A.D. These ancient treasures provide a glimpse into a sophisticated past, challenging previous conceptions about African art and craftsmanship.

##Climate
Igbo-Ukwu experiences a warm climate year-round, with a dry season that is humid and partially cloudy, and a wet season marked by oppressive cloud cover. The annual average temperature ranges from 64°F to 85°F, with rare fluctuations outside of 56°F and 88°F. The temperature differences throughout the year are minimal, making the concept of distinct hot and cold seasons largely irrelevant.