Lost in Space? Reconstructing Frank Willett’s excavations at Ita Yemoo, Ile-Ife, Nigeria: Rescue Excavations (1957–1958) and Trench XIV (1962–1963)

Abstract

From December 1957 to January 1958, Frank Willett conducted a “rescue” excavation at Ita Yemoo, Ile-Ife (Nigeria), to investigate the fortuitous discovery of rare brass artifacts by laborers preparing the land for a construction project. Ita Yemoo soon emerged as a significant site, and Willett conducted subsequent archaeological campaigns between 1958 and 1963. The site became famous for its “bronzes” and several terracotta heads excavated in situ, which became icons of Ife’s “florescence” period during the 13th and 14th centuries CE. However, the fame of the site contrasts with the absence of detailed published material on its archaeology. In this paper, we use photographs, sketches, and field notebooks from the rich but little-known archival collection donated by Frank Willett to the University of Glasgow, to reconstruct the details of his first season at this site, interpret his findings and reflect on the necessity to rediscover and publish the lost archives of Africa’s archaeological heritage.

Keywords

• Willett (Frank)
• excavation archives