Rare Igbo-Ukwu Bronze Sculpture – Nigeria, 20th Century

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Igbo-Ukwu Bronze Sculpture – Nigeria, 20th Century
This Igbo-Ukwu Bronze Sculpture is a powerful homage to one of Africa’s earliest … Read more Igbo-Ukwu Bronze Sculpture – Nigeria, 20th Century
This Igbo-Ukwu Bronze Sculpture is a powerful homage to one of Africa’s earliest and most sophisticated casting traditions. Inspired by the ancient bronzes unearthed in Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria—dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries—this piece reflects the enduring legacy of lost-wax casting and ceremonial artistry.
• Origin: Igbo-Ukwu region, southeastern Nigeria
• Medium: Cast bronze using traditional lost-wax technique
• Dimensions: 15x10x41
• Date: Mid to late 20th century, in the style of 9th-century originals
• Provenance: Private Chicago collection; accompanied by educational label referencing Metropolitan Museum of Art scholarship
• Condition: Excellent patina; no visible damage or restoration
The Igbo-Ukwu bronzes are among the earliest known in sub-Saharan Africa, predating the Benin and Ife traditions. Their intricate detailing and ritual significance mark them as emblems of rank, status, and spiritual power. This sculpture, with its textured surface and ceremonial form, echoes that heritage—ideal for collectors of African art, ethnographic sculpture, and museum-quality décor. See less