A.I. Okpoko, A. M. Ibeanu, C.E. Umeokafor
Department of Archaeology and Tourism
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Introduction
This study was borne out of the need to carry out archaeological surveys and excavations of
Nri settlement sites. Some of these sites were located by Onwuejeogu and later studied by
Okpoko (1988). It is important to observe that since the publication of the Igboukwu
excavation report by Shaw(1970) and consequent interpretation of the material remains by
Onwuejeogwu which he linked to the institution of Eze Nri; there has not been any
archaeological excavation in Igboukwu or related areas like Nri settlements. Following the
evidence of scatters broken quartz pebbles in Lake city secondary school at Nri a team of
archaeologists, comprising late Dr. F.N. Anozie; Professor A.I. Okpoko, Dr. A.M Ibe
anu conducted archaeological reconnaissance and excavation in the school compound.
However, further archaeological survey was carried out by Umeokafor (2006) in both Nri and
Igboukwu to throw some light on possible relationship between the two settlements.
Nri has been defined by Afigbo (1981) as a holy city where slaves were set free and
where also, the Osu caste system prevalent in many parts of Igboland is non-existent. Prior to
December, 1940, the town of Nri had two distinct and independent settlements namely, the
Akamkpisi and Agukwu communities. The Eze Nri resides in Agukwu made up of the
immigrants while much of the authonthons group the (first settlers) resided in Akamkpisi.
The two communities were unified under one administrative head on the above named date as
Nri town.
Late Dr. J.N Ezike and final year students of the Department of Archaeology University
of Nigeria, Nsukka conducted ethnographic and archaeological surveys of Nri and sunk a test
excavation in 2001.
In the period of the slave trade, Umu nri (Nri indigenes) adorned themselves with
wristlets, anklets and rubbed white chalk nzu on the eyelids. These identified them as umunri
that should not be kidnapped and sold into slavery by the Aro slave merchants (Anozie,
1983). This is because Nri men were seen as powerful ritualists. This paper is preliminary.