Casting new light on the Lower Niger Bronzes, Nigeria: A curatorial and scientific investigation
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1-s2.0-S2352409X26002580-main.pdf
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20.58 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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Resource type
Journal article
Date published
September 2026
Abstract
The southern Nigerian copper-alloy collections cared for by the British Museum include artefacts from well-known centres – Benin, Ife, Igbo-Ukwu – and a lesser-studied group, the so-called Lower Niger Bronzes (LNBs). Spanning the 10th–19th centuries CE, LNBs likely originate from multiple Niger Delta casting centres but remain relatively unknown outside scholarly circles due to limited object history documentation and scientific analysis. This study focuses on 40 bells—the collection’s most numerous category—using digital microscopy, XRF, and X-radiography to investigate alloy composition, production techniques, and interregional connections. Results reveal a heterogeneous assemblage shaped by diverse alloy recipes and metallurgical traditions, including the incorporation of zinc-bearing alloys. Certain forms, such as Inverted Tulip and Horn Head bells, show coherent metallurgical patterns, suggesting distinct production choices/strategies. By integrating compositional data with typology, curatorial research, and legacy data, this study establishes a framework for refining object attributions and reconstructing artefacts “life histories”. These findings provide new insights into the technological, cultural, and regional dynamics of southern Nigerian copper-alloy production and highlight the complex interconnections between local, regional, and global trade networks, offering a foundation for future interdisciplinary research.
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
The Andrew W Mellon Foundation | |
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology | |
Journal title
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
ISSN
2352-409X
Official URL