The Lower Niger Bronzes

This book demonstrates that copper alloy casting was widespread in southern Nigeria and has been practiced for at least a millennium.

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).

1. Introduction: Fagg's Prophecy, Previous Research, and Lower Niger Bronze Forms 2. Historical and Ethnographic Background 3. Southern Nigerian Copper-Alloy Components, Sources, and Analyses 4. Manillas and Bracelets 5. Replicas, Skeumorphs, and Vessels 6. The -v-/-f-/Ovuo Complex 7. Human and Humanoid Figures 8. Heads, Faces, and Costume Masks 9. Leopard Skulls, Ram's Heads, Hippopotami, and Other Creatures 10. "Pectorals, Hip Ornaments, and Waist Pendants" or Pendant Plaques 11. Bells and Bell Heads 12. Scepter Finials and the "Aro Knot" 13. "Tsoede Bronzes," "Enowe's Girdle," and "Death Rings" - More Mysteries 14. The End Game: Possible Solutions for an Ongoing Puzzle