Metal Sources and the Bronzes From Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reports on a brief survey of some old copper and lead workings along the Benue Rift in SE Nigeria. Samples of lead and copper ores collected from these were analyzed to determine their lead isotope ratios for comparison with lead isotope ratios obtained from the bronzes excavated at Igbo- Ukwu. At many of these locations small-scale workings are still in operation. The lead isotope ratios of a small selection of the bronzes suggest that there were two distinct sources of copper and lead used in antiquity but with a high degree of intermixing. The major copper and lead source has lead isotope values similar to those obtained from the copper and lead ores from the Abakaliki area of the Rift. These results support arguments previously advanced that the metal used to make the bronzes was local, thereby confirming their indigenous design and technology.