• Geochemical analysis identifies chemical groups in the ceramics studied. • Three main petrographic paste groups are identified in the Igbo Ukwu assemblage. • Multiple petrofabrics reflect differences in clay sources and clay processing techniques. • The ceramics are consistent with broadly local geology. • The results from this study refine the understanding of raw material sourcing and ceramic production practices at ancient Igbo Ukwu. The 1st and 2nd Millennium CE marked significant shifts in West African economy and sociopolitical systems with commensurate changes to craft economies in the region, including expanded trade networks and increasing urbanism across the region. This study investigates ceramic production at Igbo Ukwu (9th-12th Century CE), one of the most significant archaeological sites in West Africa, renowned for its elaborate material culture and early technological sophistication. Drawing on legacy collections from Thurstan Shaw’s 1959 – 1964 excavations, this paper examines ceramic samples from Igbo Isaiah, Igbo Richard, and Igbo Jonah, the three excavated sites, using petrographic and portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyses. The results reveal three major petrographic groups (Argillaceous, Quartzitic, and Transitionary) representing locally sourced clays and distinct chemical composition groups, highlighting substantial variation in broadly locally sourced raw material and preparation techniques. The findings from this work reveal multiple paste types that were used to produce macroscopically similar vessels, suggesting multiple potting traditions or workshops. However, it remains unclear if production was directed towards local consumption, regional exchange, or if the potting industry was organized to meet both local and external demands. These findings offer new insights into the organization of ceramic production at Igbo Ukwu and contribute to a broader understanding of craft production and technological knowledge in early West African societies.
Adeyemo et al. (Tue,) studied this question.