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.
By:
Philip M. Peek (Drew University USA) Imprint: Routledge Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 246mm,
Width: 174mm,
Weight: 480g ISBN:9780367529079 ISBN 10: 0367529076 Series:Routledge Research in Art History Pages: 226 Publication Date:29 April 2022 Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
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).