Waja

Ohioma Ifounu Pogoson
Institute of African Studies
University of Ibadan
Ibadan.

Abstract
The history of Northern Edo land, Nigeria has been subsumed in the history of
Benin kingdom and indeed, due to oversimplification, northern Edo history has
been reduced to the history of Benin. Presently, the only available means to salvage
the history of Northern Edo land remains the art objects collected by Northcote
Thomas from Edo land, between 1908 and 1914. The collection is now domiciled at
the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) of the University of
Cambridge, unutilized. The paper therefore undertook a comparative iconographic
study of selected objects from the Thomas’ collection with Benin art, in an attempt
to make some more specific and perhaps categorical statements about a possible
Benin-Northern Edo artistic relationship. Some of the works analysed from the
collection include kola nut bowls from Otuo, Uzebba decorated kola nut bowls,
Agbede bowls, and Okpe decorated ladle out of others. Evidently these artworks are
prestigious objects, yet the Edo north community is devoid of such powerful central
administrative system that could be in demand of such objects. This raises questions
about the peopling of the region. From the available evidential materials, under
consideration, it was then postulated that there could have been the possibility of
north-south movement and a later south-north movement in that region, which has
caused a thinning-out of the culture that produced the Thomas’ collection. The
paper concluded that the makers of the selected objects from the Thomas’ collection
might be different from the present day inhabitants of the region.

Revd Fr. Paul-Kolade Tubi, Ph.D*
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract
Political power and religion bear directly on the lives of people of all communities.
This is particularly so of traditional societies. As globalization and westernization
rapidly set in upon the cultures of the world, it is imperative that ethnographers do
rigorous study before those cultures are completely altered. Globalization amends,
suppresses or erodes traditional practices, lores and mores. As a result of the
onslaught of westernization and globalization on traditional societies, it is
imperative that ethnographic methodologies are employed to study and document
aspects of traditional societies like the Okun-Yoruba that have come under the
influence of globalization.
This ethnographic study highlights the strong nexus between religion and
political power in indigenous societies like the Okun people who are confronted
with westernizing influence in their attempt to weld a coherent and functional
society within an authentic African culture.

Joseph Mangut PhD,
Department of Archaeology
and Heritage Studies,
University of Jos,
Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

Abstract
The peopling of the Jos Plateau has generated a lot of controversy. Historical
studies of the area have tended to emphasise recent origins and migrations of the
various groups to the plateau which over time led to mutual suspicion and
hostilities among them as a result of scarce resources. This paper reviews some of
these claims and investigates some of the early populations and occupation sites
with a view to shedding light on the nature of origins, migrations and urbanisation
problems in the area. It suggests that the Jos Plateau has a long settlement antiquity
and that migrations to the area have been in several waves right into the colonial
era resulting into the fusion of a number of ethnic groups belonging to both the
Chadic and the Benue-Congo speakers in an attempt to bring about urbanisation. It
therefore concludes that the integration of the various groups in the area is the best
option for a lasting peace and development which are very critical in urbanisation.
Key Words: Migrations, Urbanisation, Jos Plateau, Ronkulere, Chadic, Benue-
Congo.

Benedicta N. Mangut
Department of Archaeology,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]

Abstract

Oral traditions of the Borgu claim that they originated from the Middle East under
the leadership of Kisra, passing through several places before finally settling in
their present-day place. Using the historical archaeology approach this study
investigates the history of origin and migrations as well as language relationships
of the Borgu of Niger State. Preliminary findings however suggest that the eastern
origin claims could have been later creations as most of their historical traditions
seem to indicate a relationship with the other Mande language speakers around
them. This work therefore attempts to highlight the early history and traditions of
the people and suggests that a multidisciplinary approach involving linguistics,
geology and related disciplines is required if we are to understand the history of
origin, historical traditions and the nature of the peopling of the Borgu area as a
whole.
Key words: Borgu, Bussa, Historical archaeology, Kisra and Mande.

Par
Eloi Cyrille Tollo1

Abstract.
The archaeological excavation in the site of Elig-Zogo Philadelphia in the Center
region of Cameroon, near the small city of Sa’a, has uncovered an ancient iron
production workshop dated from de 13th century AD. This consists of five remains
of furnaces that can be observed from the surface. In accordance with the Mayor of
Sa’a, it was decided that only one structure will be excavated and that the rest shall
be preserved. The site is located in front of the of the presbytery of the Philadelphia
church in the village of Elig- Zogo. The structure 4 that we excavated was a pit
filling with heterogeneous artifacts made of slag, remains of chimney, tuyeres and
charcoal. The size and the nature of slags suggest that the site serves to refine
blooms coming from natural draught furnaces. Cases of this double reduction are
known within some ethnic groups in subsahara Africa such as the Bassa and the
Banen of Cameroon or the Mossi of Yatenga in Burkina Faso. The iron production
workshop was made of non-slag-tapping shaft bowl furnaces that functioned with
forced draught. The chimney was circular and build with clay.
Mots clés: Cameroun, métallurgie du fer, paléosidérurgie africaine.

Par
Jean robert Mandeng
Chercheur au Centre National d’Education
Email: [email protected]

Abstract
This study presents the results of an archaeology study about surface collection and
in stratigraphy lead in four rock-shelters from Nkolandom region (southern
Cameroon forest). It has been carried out through research cooperation between the
ministry of higher education and the University of Yaoundé I. The first drill holes
made in Nkolandom rock-shelter provide new information’s about space
occupation in the three likely phases. The first sequence could be the Late Stone age

which manifests itself through the presence of lithic such as erasing, knife/scraper-
eraser, splinter and nibs. The second sequence, probably the Stone age unfolds

through coarsened earthenware characterized by impression from small card and
small wheel plaited. The third sequence concerns the ongoing period through oral
sources linked to the settlement of Bulu (Ndong clan) in that locality.

Lng. H. N. A. Wellington
Occupation: Lecturer / Researcher.
Institution of affiliation: Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies,
University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: +233244172122
Fritz Biveridge
Occupation: Lecturer / Researcher
Institution of affiliation: Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies,
University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: +233269466443.
Daniel Kuma
Occupation: Assistant Lecturer /Researcher.
Institution of affiliation: Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies,
University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
Email Address: [email protected]
Telephone Number: 233246205675
Name of corresponding author: Dr. Fritz Biveridge

Key words:
(1) Iconoclasm
(2) Cultural heritage
(3) Antithesis
(4) Conservation
(5) Conflict typology
Abstract of Research
This paper presents some reflections and insights from a case study of three conflict
typology situations relating to the Danish-Osu heritage setting at Osu. They are the
Brandt Heritage Property, the Richter Heritage Property, and the Sanchie Historic
Site. Osu is an ancient Ga settlement located in Ghana’s capital, Accra. The
indigenous population were one of the earliest to have encountered and interacted
socio-economically with Europeans, principally the Danes, Dutch and English
during the period of the trans-Atlantic slave trade engagements on the Guinea
70
Ing. H. N. A. Wellington, Fritz Biveridge, Daniel Kuma
Coast. This resulted in the people embracing several cultural traits of Europeans
including European styled architectural designs several of which are still standing
but in various stages of ruin in the community because of non armed conflicts
situations between different parties alleging ownership of these extant buildings.
The paper discusses the root causes of these conflicts as well as the consequences,
and makes some recommendations to remedy such situations to save such
important heritage properties in the future.

Orijemie, Emuobosa Akpo
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Email: [email protected];
[email protected]
86

Abstract
The pollen records of two terrestrial cores Ahanve (Badagry) and Ogudu (Lagos) in
the freshwater, and mangrove swamp forest (MSF) zones respectively of southwest
Nigeria provide evidence of changes in ecology and species diversity of the MSF
and the adjoining lowland rainforest (LRF) during the Late Holocene. At ca. 3109 ±
26 yrs BP in Ahanve and at as yet an unknown time in Ogudu, Rhizophora spp. and
other mangrove species declined significantly. Though Rhizophora spp. recovered
quickly at Ogudu, they completely disappeared from Ahanve and are absent from
there today. Similarly the LRF, which hitherto was abundant and quite diverse at
Ahanve decreased and was replaced by secondary forest and coastal savannas. On
the other hand, the LRF increased sharply at Ogudu with relics of it still remaining
there at present. Species diversity of the LRF at Ahanve during and after the major
vegetation change that took place became very low whilst most species
disappeared. In contrast, at Ogudu the LRF remained despite deteriorating
conditions and was initially diverse. Its subsequent decline in species composition,
which was recorded towards the top of the core, is regarded as a recent development
as revealed by both the pollen record and charcoal analysis. The contrasts in the
species diversity of the LRF at both sites seem to underscore the intensity and
impact of humans at Ahanve and Ogudu.
Key words: Tropical rainforests, Vegetation change, Rhizophora spp., Human
impact

Simon Agani, M.A. and Obarè B. Bagodo, PhD – Associate Professor
Laboratoire d’Art, Archéologie et d’Expertise Patrimoniale
Université d’Abomey-Calavi, République du Bénin
E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected]

Abstract
Since the mid-2000s onwards, continuous archaeological investigations into Shabe
area had been focused on the settlement and the political and economic dynamics.
The fortification structures, reflecting the expertise of the past people, for defense
or resistance, are barely explored. Yet in Shabe area and other parts of Yorubaland,
as well as within the Bight of Benin region’s countries (Nigeria, Bénin, Togo and
Ghana) and in the whole West Africa, there are various fortification structures.
With regard to the archeological concern with defense or refuge systems in order to
understand the historical evolution in Shabe area, many important aspects have not
been tackled properly until now. The contention here is that a comparison of Shabe’s
fortification structures with those of the rest of Yorubaland and in West Africa can
help argue better assumptions and establish similarities and dissimilarities, and
show endogenous creations and/or external influences during centuries (if not
millennia) until the European military invasion in the 1890s and colonial
occupation from the 1900s onwards.
Keywords: fortification structures, Shabe area, Yorubaland, West Africa.

par Alexis B.A. ADANDE

Ohioma Ifounu Pogoson, Ayo Adeduntan and Abiodun Akande
Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Abstract
This paper investigates the artistic characteristic features and iconology of Yoruba
OroÌ bullroarer using selected examples of seven OroÌ bullroarers in the collection of
the Museum of the Institute of African Studies (MIAS), University of Ibadan,
Nigeria. The ethnographic research design was adopted for the study. It gathered
data from in-depth interviews, historical, political, mythological, scholarly
submissions and allusions on the socio-religious, cultural importance and
associations of oroÌ in Yoruba land, to elucidate traditional and contemporary
perspectives about OroÌ and its iconography. In its conclusion, the paper highlighted
the important images commonly depicted on the Oro Ìbullroarer. Some of the images
observed are zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, geometric or abstract forms. It further
observes that the images on the bullroarer are purposely engineered to conform
with the the overall process of scientific effect of matter, energy, force and motion to
produce the buzzing sound associated with OroÌ.

Obiageli Okoye (Ph.D)
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
University of Ibadan
[email protected]

Abstract
Art exhibition entails public display or collection of art objects in a gallery, often
times providing opportunity to showcase a people’s cultural heritage, the artists
and their works. When art exhibitions are carried out in rural communities by a
National Art Gallery, it has the potential of promoting tourism, and encouraging
budding artists in the locality. This study examines the extent to which the National
Gallery of Art, Igbo-Ukwu, southeast Nigeria, promote tourism in Igbo-Ukwu
through art exhibitions, with a view to establishing the impacts of these exhibitions.
Data gathering techniques employed are: participant observation, key informant
interview focus group discussions and photography. The study discovers that art
exhibitions in National Gallery of Art Igbo-Ukwu have contributed to promoting
tourism, skill acquisition and income generation to the artists in the community and
neighbouring towns. The gallery provides platform for budding artists to exchange
ideas with more established artists, and at the same time make young people to see
art as a viable profession. The study recommends that the exhibitions should be
publicized more to increase wider participation of artists and tourists.
Keywords: Art Exhibitions, tourism, Rural Communities, National Gallery of Art