Another reconsideration of the origin of the Tsoede bronzes

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Periodical article

Title:	Another reconsideration of the origin of the Tsoede bronzes
Author:	Pogoson, Ohioma Ifounu
Year:	1998
Periodical:	West African Journal of Archaeology
Volume:	28
Issue:	2
Pages:	97-111
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	archaeology sculpture
Abstract:	The ten bronze sculptures, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic in their themes, now referred to as the Tsoede bronzes were discovered in at least three different towns (Jebba, Tada and Giragi) on the right bank of the Niger river, Nigeria. The bronzes do not conform to a single style, but whichever style is discernable among them, their similarity with the stone images of Esie is evident. The earliest publications on the bronzes date from the period between 1912 and 1933. Since then, their origin has become a subject for wild and sometimes farfetched speculations. This paper examines the plausibility of some of the more popular of these conjectures regarding the origin of the Tsoede bronzes. It also discusses the relationship of the bronzes with one or two other art traditions in the region. Finally, it suggests possible places of origin of the cast metal arts, other than Esie. Bibliogr.