Nigerian Metalwork

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# Craft Primary Material Historical Context Location (State) Geopolitical Zone
1 Benin Bronzes Brass, bronze Royal court art of the Benin Kingdom (since 13th century); commemorative and ritual objects Edo South South
2 Igbo-Ukwu Bronzes Bronze 9th-century elite ritual objects and burial goods demonstrating early advanced casting Anambra South East
3 Ife Brass Heads Brass, copper alloys 12th–15th century royal portraiture from Ile-Ife; sacred kingship and ancestor veneration Osun South West
4 Bida Brassware Brass 19th-century Nupe courtly and domestic vessels shaped by trans-Saharan trade Niger North Central
5 Kano Brass and Copperware Brass, copper Medieval–present Hausa metal vessels influenced by Islamic and trans-Saharan trade networks Kano North West
6 Yoruba Ritual Ironwork Iron Sacred iron objects linked to Ogun worship and ritual practice Oyo South West
7 Tiv Iron Currency Rods Iron Precolonial currency and ceremonial exchange objects symbolizing wealth and social ties Benue North Central
8 Hausa Silver Jewelry Silver Islamic-influenced adornments serving protective, social, and ceremonial roles Kaduna North West
9 Jukun Brass Ornaments Brass Courtly ornaments associated with the Kwararafa Confederacy and ritual authority Taraba North East
10 Kanuri Horse Trappings Brass, copper, iron Emirate-era ceremonial horse fittings symbolizing power and military prestige Borno North East
11 Ibibio Bronze Anklets Bronze Prestige anklets marking wealth, status, and marital identity Akwa Ibom South South
12 Nupe Silver Jewelry Silver Amulets and adornments reflecting Islamic influence and Nupe courtly culture Niger North Central
13 Fulani Silver Adornments Silver Portable wealth and identity markers among pastoral Fulani communities Multiple (Northern Nigeria) North West / North East
14 Efik Brass Anklets Brass Trade-era prestige ornaments linked to Cross River wealth and social status Cross River South South