Discusses importance of trade in West Africa northwards into the Arab/Islamic world from Ife and Old Oyo in the tenth century and importation of copper into Ife. The shift of power from Ife to Oyo-Ile was connected with the control of this trade and the wealth derived from it. The Jebba/Tada group of bronzes are situated where they are because this is precisely the zone of contact on the River Niger for trading out of Yorubaland.