Recent archaeological discoveries in Nigeria suggests that iron smelting and blacksmith work was performed at a much earlier time — as early as 2000-2500 BCE — at high-levels of production and involving wide trade distribution among the ancient Igboland peoples in West Africa.
Carbon dating information has been unattainable to date.
Location of Igboland (dark green)– in Africa (green & dark grey)– in Nigeria (green)
The Grave of Sargon the Great – Catherine Acholonu …
Famous Igbo Rope Vase
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igboland
The Igbo-Ukwu peoples of the Enugu State have also produced advanced ancient bronze creations, with intricate and symetric designsadvanced ancient bronze creations.
Igbo-Ukwu was the site of an early indigenous bronze industry that was rediscovered in the 20th century. 9th century bronze pot excarvated in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State Nigeria. Presently located in the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria.
African-History-is-Human-History-Great-Empires-Cites-and-Celebrities-of-Antiquity
Sotheby’s New York, April 21, 1990, lot 242, for a related mask formerly in the Harry Franklin Collection. (above)
Images of the ancient Igbo people
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichi_(scarification)
Western scarification (Euler’s identity)
Sources: www.randafricanart.com/Igbo_maiden_spirit_mask
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igbo_art
www.blackhistoryheroes.com/2014/10/forging-fire-metallurgical-arts
