Between Nok, Ile-Ife and Benin: Progress Report and Prospects

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Periodical article

Title:	Between Nok, Ile-Ife and Benin: Progress Report and Prospects
Author:	Obayemi, Ade M.
Year:	1980
Periodical:	Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria
Volume:	10
Issue:	3
Pages:	79-94
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	archaeology sculpture History and Exploration Anthropology and Archaeology Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Abstract:	This paper is a response to at least two clearly defined questions. One is the relationship between Ife and Benin, the other a comparison of the terracotta figurines of the Nok-culture with terracotta, wooden and metal sculptures from Ile-Ife, Benin and elsewhere in the forest-belt. Researchers hoped to find the links between these northern and southern traditions within 100 miles of the Niger-Benue confluence. One of the conclusions of research and archaeological work in this area is that other regular settlements without the attributes of Benin and Ile-Ife did exist. However, no evidence for the existence of any substantial kingdom or urban centre was found. From the art-historical point of view the iconographic gap in terracotta sculptural evidence between the Nok and the Ile-Ife area has not been bridged. Notes.