A Century of Archaeological Investigations at Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria: Looking Backward and Leaning Forward
Posted: 22 Mar 2013
Date Written: 2013
Abstract
Since the expedition of Leo Frobenius in Ile-Ife in 1910, the ancient city has witnessed significant archaeological attention. Excavations, coupled with chance discoveries, have produced many artifacts, and in some cases artworks, which demonstrate the significant complexity of the settlement. Artifacts such as the Ife bronzes have made Ile-Ife an important site in the archaeology and art history of Africa. Recent efforts have focused on aspects of the technological know-how at early Ile-Ife, especially the citys glass bead industry. What can these recent studies tell us about the role of Ile-Ife as an urban center in the forest belt and beyond? This is the question at the center of this paper.
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