Igbo Ukwu Culture and History: A Lost Nigerian Civilization

History JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 9

Topic: The Igbo Ukwu Culture and History

Lesson Details

• Subject: History
• Class: JSS 1
• Term: Second Term
• Week: 9
• Age: 10–13 years
• Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the origin of the Igbo Ukwu culture.
2. Describe the unique features of Igbo Ukwu artifacts.
3. Identify the significance of the Igbo Ukwu civilization in Nigerian history.
4. Understand the role of archaeology in preserving history.

Keywords

• Igbo Ukwu
• Archaeology
• Bronze
• Civilization
• Excavation

Set Induction

The teacher asks students if they have seen old objects in museums or books and what they think about their importance.

Entry Behaviour

Students have previously learned about ancient cultures in Nigeria, such as the Nok and Ife cultures. This lesson introduces them to another great civilization—the Igbo Ukwu culture.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of Igbo Ukwu artifacts
• Map of Nigeria showing Igbo Ukwu (Anambra State)
• Videos/documentaries on archaeological discoveries

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about early Nigerian societies and their cultural heritage. This lesson introduces an ancient Igbo civilization known for its metalwork.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Cultural appreciation
• Research skills

Learning Materials

• History textbooks
• Archaeological reports on Igbo Ukwu findings

Reference Books

• “Nigerian History for Schools and Colleges” by A. Ajayi
• “West African Traditional History” by Kenneth Dike

Lesson Explanation

1. Origin of the Igbo Ukwu Culture

• Igbo Ukwu is an ancient town in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria.
• The culture dates back to around 9th century AD.
• It was discovered through archaeological excavations by Thurstan Shaw in 1959.
• The site revealed a highly advanced bronze-making civilization.

2. Features of Igbo Ukwu Civilization

• Known for its advanced metalwork, especially bronze and copper.
• The artifacts show great artistic skill and detail.
• They produced intricate designs, including figurines, jewelry, and pots.
• Evidence of organized trade and wealth.
• Some objects suggest religious or ceremonial significance.

3. Major Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists found three major sites in Igbo Ukwu:

1. A burial chamber – Contained a wealthy individual’s grave, buried with bronze objects and beads.
2. A storehouse – Filled with artifacts, suggesting organized storage.
3. A shrine – Contained religious and ritual objects.

4. Importance of Igbo Ukwu Civilization

• Advanced craftsmanship: The metalworks are among the finest in African history.
• First evidence of a complex Igbo society before European contact.
• Shows early trade connections within Africa.
• Challenges the idea that Africans lacked advanced civilizations before colonization.

5. Preservation of Igbo Ukwu Artifacts

• Many artifacts are kept in the National Museum in Lagos.
• UNESCO and Nigerian authorities work to protect these historical items.
• Archaeologists continue to study the Igbo Ukwu site.

Evaluation Questions (Fill in the Blanks with a, b, c, or d)

1. Igbo Ukwu is located in ____.
   a) Anambra State
   b) Edo State
   c) Kano State
   d) Ogun State

2. The first major excavation of Igbo Ukwu was done by ____.
   a) Kenneth Dike
   b) Thurstan Shaw
   c) Oba Eweka
   d) Lord Lugard

3. The Igbo Ukwu culture is famous for ____.
   a) Pottery
   b) Wood carving
   c) Bronze metalwork
   d) Rock painting

4. Igbo Ukwu artifacts were discovered in ____.
   a) 1920
   b) 1959
   c) 1980
   d) 2000

5. Igbo Ukwu civilization existed around ____.
   a) 19th century AD
   b) 15th century AD
   c) 9th century AD
   d) 5th century AD

6. The Igbo Ukwu people were skilled in ____.
   a) Fishing
   b) Farming
   c) Iron smelting
   d) Bronze casting

7. The Igbo Ukwu culture proves that ____.
   a) Ancient Africans were primitive
   b) Early Nigerian societies had no civilization
   c) Igbo people had advanced skills before colonial rule
   d) Nigerian history started with European explorers

8. The Igbo Ukwu artifacts are preserved in ____.
   a) The British Museum
   b) The National Museum in Lagos
   c) The University of Ibadan
   d) A private collection

9. The Igbo Ukwu culture was discovered in ____.
   a) The 18th century
   b) The 20th century
   c) The 16th century
   d) The 21st century

10. Which of the following was not found in Igbo Ukwu?
    a) Bronze sculptures
    b) Jewelry
    c) Stone pyramids
    d) Ritual objects

Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs with Answers)

1. Where is Igbo Ukwu located?

   • Anambra State, Nigeria.

2. Who discovered Igbo Ukwu artifacts?

   • Thurstan Shaw.

3. What material were most Igbo Ukwu artifacts made from?

   • Bronze and copper.

4. What year was Igbo Ukwu excavated?

   • 1959.

5. What do Igbo Ukwu artifacts tell us about early Nigeria?

   • It had an advanced civilization before European contact.

6. Were Igbo Ukwu people traders?

   • Yes, they had trade connections.

7. What is the most famous Igbo Ukwu artifact?

   • Bronze ceremonial pots and figurines.

8. Where can we see Igbo Ukwu artifacts today?

   • National Museum, Lagos.

9. How old is the Igbo Ukwu civilization?

   • Over 1,100 years old (9th century AD).

10. Why is Igbo Ukwu important in African history?

• It challenges the idea that early African societies were undeveloped.

Presentation Steps

1. Introduction: Teacher introduces Igbo Ukwu culture.
2. Discussion: Students share knowledge of ancient artifacts.
3. Teacher’s Explanation: Describes the civilization and findings.
4. Class Interaction: Students identify Igbo Ukwu on the map.
5. Conclusion: Summary of key points.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

• Teacher: Shows images, explains, and asks questions.
• Learners: Participate, answer questions, and take notes.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answers)

1. Where is Igbo Ukwu located?
2. What year was the site excavated?
3. Name one famous Igbo Ukwu artifact.
4. Who conducted the first excavation?
5. What was the main material used in Igbo Ukwu artifacts?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work, gives feedback, and encourages further research.