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The metal workers of ancient Igbo-Ukwu used unique techniques in their characteristic bronze work. In particular, their complex use of the lost-wax casting process. The Grove Encyclopedia of Materials and Techniques in Art describes them as being "among the most inventive and technically accomplished bronzes ever made."

Metal workers used alternative methods for some processes such as wire making, soldering or riveting suggesting an independent development and long isolation of their metal working tradition. Though their fine surface details appear to have been riveted or soldered on to the artifacts, they were actually cast in one piece. Wires in particular were either cast directly within a larger piece or were hammered out from a larger cast rather than drawn. Although both unalloyed copper and bronze could be hammered, typically only unalloyed copper was hammered.

Although some argue that beeswax was the primary component used in the lost wax casting process, evidence suggests that latex was used in Igbo-Ukwu due to the potential cultural significance of the Detarium senegalense and Ficus trees, both of which produce latex. This latex could be used to create thin casting sheets upon which patterns could be created using thin threads. This technique provides an explanation to how the artists were able to produce such fine and filigree surface detail.

Some of the techniques used by the ancient smiths are not known to have been used outside Igbo-Ukwu such as the production of complex objects in stages with the different parts later fixed together by brazing or by casting linking sections to join them. However the complexity of some of the Igbo-Ukwu objects has led to considerable altercation between various metallurgic experts and debates regarding the actual production process which speaks to the highly developed and intricate work of these ancient artists.