Igbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor
Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇳🇬 Anambra, Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria
About
About Igbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor
Igbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor in Anambra, Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria is a Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE) tumulus attributed to Bronze Age. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal mound diameter 45 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 6.0160N 7.0250E controls access to Anambra resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey tumulus for Anambra, Igbo-Ukwu, illustrating Bronze Age construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1800 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Elite burial mound with chamber and earthen tumulus
- Rediscovered
- 1961 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 1800 BCE
Initial construction of Igbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor main structure
c. 1941
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
2001–2016
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Igbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
6.0160° N · 7.0250° E · 367 m · 3 mapped features
Igbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tumulus — Mound diameter 45 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
6.0168° N · 7.0259° EIgbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
6.0150° N · 7.0243° EIgbo-Ukwu Bronzemound Workshop Floor — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
6.0175° N · 7.0262° E