Awka and early iron technology in Igboland : myths, probabilities and reality / Onwuka N. Njoku

Object Details

Author

Njoku, Onwuka N

Smithsonian Libraries African Art Index Project DSI

Received wisdom has it that Igbo ironworking technology originted with Awka blcksmiths at some period in aniquity, at least as far back as ninth century Igbo-Ukwu. The reasons for this generally accepted or at least unquestioned view are three: the Umueri blacksmith clan's traditions of origin which name Awka as the sources; the renown of Awka smiths and iron technology in more recent times; and the proximity of Awka to Igbo-Ukwu. Njoku examines these three postulates with an historian's critical eye to see what can or cannot be logically inferred from the evidence.

The absence of smelting of Awka is significant; even oral traditions acknowledge the fact. The assumption that Akwa smiths fabricated Igbo-Ukwu artifacts rests on no firm ground, though it has gained credence through mere repetition. No archaeological work has been done at Akwa. Njoku argues that smithing at Akwa is probably a much more recent phenomenon than is generally accepted and that the fabrication of Igbo-Ukwu metals remains at present guesswork. He advances the case that Udi smiths rather than Awka smiths might have been the producers of Igbo-Ukwu artifacts. Similarly, on closer examination, the Eri legend appears to be more recent than Nri civilization historians have contended.

1988

Call number

DT1 .O27a

Type

Articles

Place

Nigeria

Awka

Smithsonian Libraries

Topic

Igbo ironworking

Igbo blacksmiths

Igbo-Ukwu

Legends

Record ID

siris_sil_595968

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0