Best Seller Items
WAJA VOLUME 48
$50.00-
Historicism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism: The Contribution of Bassey W. Andah to Deconstructing African Anthropology
$10.00Paul-Kolade Tubi, Ph.D*
Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State,Abstract
“Colonial and indeed all European anthropologists working in Africa and Asia
interpreted and still interpret behaviour in relation to their own interests and
experiences; their ideas are not truths self-evident in the cultures they studied”
(Bassey W. Andah, 1988:10). It is incumbent on African anthropologists,
archaeologists, historians and social scientists to become seriously preoccupied
with deconstructing African cultural studies. This task was eminently championed
by scholars like Cheik Anta Diop, Walter Rodney, Bassey W. Andah and Chinweizu
amongst others. Professor Andah is said to be the first African doctoral
anthropologist with specialization in Archaeology. He taught at universities in
Ghana and Nigeria. He became a professor in 1978. He was the founding president
of the Archaeological Association of Nigeria and secretary of the Pan-African
Association of Pre-History and Related studies. He was the first African editor of
the West African Journal of Archaeology (WAJA).The writer assesses what he
considers the major contributions of Andah to African Anthropology. -
WAJA VOLUME 52 2 FULL
$50.00WEST AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
REVUE OUEST AFRICAINE d’ ARCHEOLOGIEISSN 0331-3158
Edited by
David A. AremuAssisted by
Jonathan O. Aleru and Aicha Toure Gninin
Volume 52(1) 2022
Published on Behalf of West African Archaeological Association by the Editorial Board of WAJA
Editorial
1. Editorial Board
Ballouche, A. – Universite d’ Angers, France
Boachie-Ansah, J. – University of Ghana, Legon, Accra
Derefaka A.A. – University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Jemkur, J. – University of Jos, Nigeria
Okafor E.E. – University of Nsukka, Nigeria
Apoh W. – President, W.A.A.A. (Ex-Officio)
Kouassi K.S. – Treasurer, W.A.A.A. (Ex-Officio)
2. Advisory Board
Professor H. Bocoun
Professor T. Champion
Professor A.F.C. Holl
Professor J.B. Kiethega
Professor M.A. Sowunmi
Professor J. Mangut
Professor Isa Tijani
Editor-In-Chief: – David A. AremuUniversity of Ibadan, Nigeria
Associate Editors: – Jonathan O. Aleru (Anglophone)
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
– Aicha Toure GnininAssistante, Institut des Sciences
Anthropologiques de
Development (ISAD)
UFR-SHS Universite Felix
Honphouet – Biology Cocody –
Abidjan, Cote d’ IvoireBusiness Manager: – R.A. Alabi,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Assist. Business Managers: – Kingsley C. Daraojimba
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Z. A. Gundu,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
NigeriaNote to Contributors
Contributors are advised to follow our format in preparing their contributions. We do not
accept footnote referencing. All references must be compiled alphabetically at the end of the
paper with the surname of the authors coming first, followed by year of publication, then the
title of paper and the medium of publication. ALL ILLUSTRATIONS MUST BE DIGITIZED AND
SHOULD HAVE GOOD CONTRAST AND NOT BE TOO MANY. THEY SHOULD BE AT THE END OF
THE TEXT BEFORE THE LIST OF REFERENCES. An electronic copy of the text and the illustrations
should be sent with two hardcopies.
The software used must be indicated. However, we advise any of the following: Microsoft
Office-MS-Word, Adobe Page Maker7 or Word Perfect 8. All contributions not conforming to
the above requirements will be rejected.
Papers are to be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief:
Prof David A. Aremu; email, ([email protected])
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Or
The Business Manager,
Prof Raphael A. Alabi, email, ([email protected])
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.Waja Volume 52(1)
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORSAkinwumi Ogundiran : University of North Carolina, Charlotte, United
State of America.
Babajide Olusoji Ololajulo: Department of Archaeology and
Anthropology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Orijemie Emuobosa Akpo: Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Kola Adekola: Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Olatomiwa K. Sarumoh and David Aremu Department of Archaeology
and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.
Adeola Adeitan Lameed, Francesca Chinyere Ukpokolo and David A. Aremu:
Department of Sustainability Studies, University of Ibadan and Department of
Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.TABLE OF CONTENT
Akinwumi Ogundiran: Postcolonial Ordeal and the Emancipatory
Potentials of Archaeology/Anthropology Education in Nigeria.
Babajide Olusoji Ololajulo: Oke Afa memorial arcade and the burden
of remembrance in Nigeria. Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
University of Ibadan.
Orijemie Emuobosa Akpo: The Archaeobotanical and Palaeoecological Legacy
of ‘garden-based’ Agroforestry in the African Rainforest
Kola Adekola: An Insight to 50 years of Archaeological Research in Nigeria
Olatomiwa K. Sarumoh and David Aremu: Ethnographic Study of Drum
Making and its Significance among the People of Oyo.
Adeola Adeitan Lameed, Francesca Chinyere Ukpokolo and David A. Aremu: Àgbélé
Symbol and the Branding of ÌyámòpóMountain in Ìgbẹ́tìfor Heritage Tourism.Waja Volume 52(2)
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
Kola Adekola: Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
University of Ibadan
Ruivo Ferreira Burmann, André Luiz: Goethe University in Frankfurt am
Main/Germany.
Kyazike Elizabeth: Department of History and Political Science, Kyambogo
University.
David Akwasi Mensah Abrampah and Mark Henry Freeman: Department of Archaeology andHeritage Studies University of Ghana and Cirrus Oil Company, Ghana.
ỌLÁLE Ỵ́ Ẹ Samuel Káyo ḍ́ é and Oyelàdé Olúfikáyo
̣́Kúnlé: Department of Religious
Studies, University of Ìbàdàn̩ , Ìbàdàn̩ , Òỵ ó
̣State, Nigeria; Chapel of the Resurrection,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Monica O. Aneni: Department of Classics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Daniel Kenechukwu Chidiogo 1Ibeanu Anselm Maduabuchi and 1Eze-Uzomaka
Pamela: Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka -
Analyses of Mineral Composition of Potsherds from Iron Smelting Site in Ukehe and its Implications for Archaeological Investigation
$10.00Analyses of Mineral Composition of Potsherds from Iron
Smelting Site in Ukehe and its Implications for ArchaeologicalInvestigation
1*Daniel Kenechukwu Chidiogo 1Ibeanu Anselm Maduabuchi and
1Eze-Uzomaka Pamela
1Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria,
Nsukka
Analyses and classification of pots/potsherds from archaeological
excavations in most cases have been limited to the physical attributes
possessed by the pottery wares, such as decorative motifs and pottery
forms which further informs the functions of the pottery. Although
these criteria played significant role in archaeological interpretation,
there is limited research on the use of scientific techniques to interpret
the mineral components of potsherds, especially within the Nigerian
context. Therefore, in this research, we conducted fieldwork and did
excavation (which lasted for 3months) in Ukehe town of Igbo-Etiti
Local Government Area of Enugu State, and collected iron samples
and potsherds for analysis. We applied scientific techniques – X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD) and Scanned Electron Microscopy (SEM) – to
analyse the mineral composition of the potsherds and further broaden
the scope of our interpretation to highlight the sources of raw materials
and trade relationships between/within human societies (Ukehe and
neighbouring communities). Drawing from our results, we conclude
that the use of scientific technique is vital in archaeological
interpretation as it has the potential to expose more information about
the material remains discovered in different parts of South-eastern
Nigeria and their composition.
Keywords: Potsherd, X-Ray Diffraction, Micrograph, Ukehe, iron
smelting -
Prosopography of the Somatophylakes of Alexander the Great
$10.00Prosopography of the Somatophylakes of
Alexander the Great
Monica O. Aneni
Department of Classics
University of Ibadan
Email: [email protected]Abstract: Ancient authors such as Arrian, Polybius, Plutarch
and several others have dedicated a huge amount of literature
to the exploits and politics of Alexander the Great. Modern
scholars, drawing from the narrations of ancient authors, have
analysed several aspects of the times and life of this great leader
and those of his Diadochi. However, little attention has been
paid to the men who served as his bodyguards. This paper is
therefore designed to examine the biographies of the
somatophylakes of Alexander the Great, with a view to
understanding their roles throughout the period of Alexander’s
warring years until his death in 323 BC, as well as their
positions and influences post Alexander. The paper adopts a
historical methodology as it examines the times and lives of the
bodyguards. Plutarch’s ideology on biography is adopted as
framework. Further studies may examine the sphere of control
of the Diadochi and their roles in promoting Hellenistic culture
in Africa and the Near East after the demise of Alexander
[Keywords: Leadership, bodyguards, biography, the
Macedonian Empire] -
Gender Issues in Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ̀ Ritual Masks, Songs and Dance: Their Implications for Social Harmony and Family Stability
$10.00Gender Issues in Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ̀ Ritual Masks, Songs and Dance: Their
Implications for Social Harmony and Family StabilityBy
ỌLÁLẸ́YÉ Samuel Káyọ̀dé, PhD,
Department of Religious Studies,
University of Ìbàdàn̩, Ìbàdàn̩, Ọ̀yọ́ State, Nigeria
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 08036777305
and“yelàdé “lúfikáyọ̀Kúnlé PhD,
Chapel of the Resurrection,University of Ìbàdàn, Ìbàdàn, Ọ̀yọ́ State, Nigeria
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +2348057078889&bstract
Gender relation and Peace building in Africa begin from individual
homes, communities and religious cults. Cults exist throughout the
world and there is nowhere the feminine tentacles do not reach in any
of these cults especially in Yorùbá society where various cults such as
Égúngún, Orò, Ọ̀ pá and Gè̀lè̀dẹ̀ are in operation. Gè̀lè̀dẹ̀, which is the
focus of this paper, is a public display by colourful masks of the Yorùbá
society that combines ritual dance and art to educate, correct social
behaviours, inspire worship, celebrate the power and spiritual
capacity of ancestral mothers (àwọn ìyá wa) and deities of the
community by imploring them to use their extraordinary powers for
the happiness of the society. It is an appeal to forces in the world
through the aesthetic power of masks, costumes, music and dance with
a view to shaping the society for the benefit of all since Gè̀lè̀dẹ̀ festival
promotes social harmony. It involves men, women, old as well as the
young. However, the number of female involved is larger than that of
the male members. Yet, the kind of love, respect and harmony that exist
among male and female members of the cult is unparalleled. One may
then ask, despite the fact that African continent is predominantly
patriarchal, how has the cult been able to ensure gender harmony?
Can this be emulated by every family in African society that could
propel peace building? This is what this paper tried to achieve. Twenty -
Slaves and Grains: Understanding the Role of Slaves and Grains in the History of Anomabu during the trans-Atlantic trade
$10.00Slaves and Grains: Understanding the Role of Slaves and Grains
in the History of Anomabu during the trans-Atlantic tradeDavid Akwasi Mensah Abrampah
(lead & corresponding author)
Department of Archaeology and Heritage StudiesUniversity of Ghana
Email: [email protected]
Mark Henry FreemanArchaeologist and former Community Relations Manager
Cirrus Oil Company, Ghana.
Abstract
In the years of the trans-Atlantic trade, Anomabu located at the west
coast of Ghana prospered and became renowned entrepót for large
volumes of trade goods, provisions, and slaves carried by both local
and European merchants to the New World. European trading
activities on the West African coast during the trans-Atlantic trade,
particularly, during the19th century improved this trade and generated
massive amount of wealth for those who participated in it. Although
documentary records give an indication of the Atlantic material culture
in Anomabu, there is limited understanding from these historical
sources alone. While the documentary sources describe the materials
that were traded as provisions to European slave ships in Anomabu,
the archaeological data comprising the excavated artefacts and the
extant ruins of Anomabu fort and other merchandises outlets give
further understanding of the materiality of the Atlantic era in
Anomabu. The trans-Atlantic materiality of Anomabu encompassed
materials such as grains, slaves and its associated material culture,
European/imported utilitarian materials, gun flint, and the built
environment, particularly Anomabu fort and other extant trading
outlets. This article explores how material engagement at Anomabu
shaped the structure and the organization of the trans-Atlantic trade
resulting from European-African interactions and give further
understanding of how Anomabu was incorporated into the Atlantic
world during nineteenth century.
Key words: Anomabu, provisions trade, Fort William, grains, slavery -
KANSYORE CRESCENTS: MULTIPURPOSE FUNCTIONAL TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY.
$10.00KANSYORE CRESCENTS: MULTIPURPOSE FUNCTIONAL
TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY.By
Kyazike ElizabethDepartment of History and Political Science
Kyambogo University
P.O. Box 1. Kyambo
Email: ekyzike kyu.ac.ugAbstract
Results indicate that Kansyore Island crescents are of various sizes
leading to a suggestion that they performed different functions.
However, the causes for this variation remains unclear. In order to
address that, this paper examines the nature of raw material
procurement processes for the production of crescents, the use of
crescents as well as their evolution over time at Kansyore Island that
indicates humanity’s technological complexity. It also investigates
factors for the preference of crescents that dominate the Later Stone
Age (LSA) backed tool kit at Kansyore Island and Nsongezi. The aim
is to examine the variation in tool sizes and the way in which crescents
were utilised by humans using their forms, edge modifications and edge
damage. This is significant in understanding the evolution of projectile
technology and giving insights into food procurement processes and
subsistence economy and the way the Later Stone Age (LSA) people
adapted and controlled the changing environment that characterised
most of Africa at that age. This was done using both archaeological
survey and excavation at Kansyore Island and the Nsongezi areas. The
Kansyore are a unique LSA group who combined use of lithics with
ceramics. The examination of Kansyore Island material is based on the
fact that limited attention has been given to the Kansyore culture at
Kansyore Island the type site and so far the limited work has laid
emphasis on ceramics such as the works of Chapman, (1967) and
Kyazike (2013). Collet and Robertshaw (1980) identified two crescents
but emphasis was also on the ceramics. -
Preliminary comparative analyzes of prehistoric figurine traditions in Western Africa
$10.00Preliminary comparative analyzes of prehistoric
figurine traditions in Western Africa
Ruivo Ferreira Burmann, André Luiz
(Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main/Germany;Key Words: “Neolithic”, Iron Age, Nok Culture, Gajiganna
Complex, figurines.
Introduction
The article’s aim is to present the preconditions, the goals and
some work in progress of a PhD-project on the archaeological
context of prehistoric West African figurines1.
Being connected to the so-called “Frankfurt team” as a student
since 2011, the author evermore encountered the research on the
famous Central Nigerian Nok Culture. Funded by the German
Research Association (DFG) and in close cooperation with the
Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments,
as well as the University of Maiduguri respectively the
University of Jos and the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in
Nigeria, the Goethe University is known for their work in
Northeastern Nigeria since 1989 (Breunig/Neumann 2002,
Magnavita 2004, Breunig 2004, 2005, Breunig et al. 2006, 2008)
respectively in Central Nigeria since 2005 (Rupp et al. 2005,
Breunig 2009a, 2009b, Rupp 2010, Breunig 2014, Breunig/Rupp
2016). -
A CONSIDERATION OF ETHICAL ISSUES IN ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
$10.00A CONSIDERATION OF ETHICAL ISSUES IN
ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGYBy
KOLA ADEKOLA
Department of Archaeology and AnthropologyUniversity of Ibadan
E mail: [email protected]Introduction
Archaeology is unique amongst all disciplines in that its data are non-
renewable. Once the archaeological data is destroyed, the informationthat can be derived from such data is lost.
As a result of this, professional bodies such as the Society for
American Archaeology (SAA); Archaeological Institute of America
(AIA); European Association of Archaeologists (EAA); Australian
Archaeological Association (AAA) and Society of Professional
Archaeologists (SOPA) which was founded in 1978 in America and
Archaeological Association of Nigeria have since their formation
concerned themselves with the need for a minimal level of expertise in
various areas of archaeological research. Not only this, the associations
aim at promulgating code of ethics for American, European and
Australian archaeologists. This function is a main concern of the World
Archaeological Congress at the global level. In many instances, the
tenets of the codes are applicable at all regions Nigeria inclusive.
In this paper, we are interested in examining amongst other things, the
professional responsibilities of archaeologists and anthropologists. -
WAJA VOLUME 52 1 FULL
$50.00WEST AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
REVUE OUEST AFRICAINE d’ ARCHEOLOGIEISSN 0331-3158
Edited by
David A. AremuAssisted by
Jonathan O. Aleru and Aicha Toure Gninin
Volume 52(1) 2022
Published on Behalf of West African Archaeological Association by the Editorial Board of WAJA
Editorial
1. Editorial Board
Ballouche, A. – Universite d’ Angers, France
Boachie-Ansah, J. – University of Ghana, Legon, Accra
Derefaka A.A. – University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Jemkur, J. – University of Jos, Nigeria
Okafor E.E. – University of Nsukka, Nigeria
Apoh W. – President, W.A.A.A. (Ex-Officio)
Kouassi K.S. – Treasurer, W.A.A.A. (Ex-Officio)
2. Advisory Board
Professor H. Bocoun
Professor T. Champion
Professor A.F.C. Holl
Professor J.B. Kiethega
Professor M.A. Sowunmi
Professor J. Mangut
Professor Isa Tijani
Editor-In-Chief: – David A. AremuUniversity of Ibadan, Nigeria
Associate Editors: – Jonathan O. Aleru (Anglophone)
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
– Aicha Toure GnininAssistante, Institut des Sciences
Anthropologiques de
Development (ISAD)
UFR-SHS Universite Felix
Honphouet – Biology Cocody –
Abidjan, Cote d’ IvoireBusiness Manager: – R.A. Alabi,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Assist. Business Managers: – Kingsley C. Daraojimba
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Z. A. Gundu,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
NigeriaNote to Contributors
Contributors are advised to follow our format in preparing their contributions. We do not
accept footnote referencing. All references must be compiled alphabetically at the end of the
paper with the surname of the authors coming first, followed by year of publication, then the
title of paper and the medium of publication. ALL ILLUSTRATIONS MUST BE DIGITIZED AND
SHOULD HAVE GOOD CONTRAST AND NOT BE TOO MANY. THEY SHOULD BE AT THE END OF
THE TEXT BEFORE THE LIST OF REFERENCES. An electronic copy of the text and the illustrations
should be sent with two hardcopies.
The software used must be indicated. However, we advise any of the following: Microsoft
Office-MS-Word, Adobe Page Maker7 or Word Perfect 8. All contributions not conforming to
the above requirements will be rejected.
Papers are to be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief:
Prof David A. Aremu; email, ([email protected])
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Or
The Business Manager,
Prof Raphael A. Alabi, email, ([email protected])
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.Waja Volume 52(1)
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORSAkinwumi Ogundiran : University of North Carolina, Charlotte, United
State of America.
Babajide Olusoji Ololajulo: Department of Archaeology and
Anthropology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Orijemie Emuobosa Akpo: Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Kola Adekola: Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Olatomiwa K. Sarumoh and David Aremu Department of Archaeology
and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.
Adeola Adeitan Lameed, Francesca Chinyere Ukpokolo and David A. Aremu:
Department of Sustainability Studies, University of Ibadan and Department of
Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.TABLE OF CONTENT
Akinwumi Ogundiran: Postcolonial Ordeal and the Emancipatory
Potentials of Archaeology/Anthropology Education in Nigeria.
Babajide Olusoji Ololajulo: Oke Afa memorial arcade and the burden
of remembrance in Nigeria. Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
University of Ibadan.
Orijemie Emuobosa Akpo: The Archaeobotanical and Palaeoecological Legacy
of ‘garden-based’ Agroforestry in the African Rainforest
Kola Adekola: An Insight to 50 years of Archaeological Research in Nigeria
Olatomiwa K. Sarumoh and David Aremu: Ethnographic Study of Drum
Making and its Significance among the People of Oyo.
Adeola Adeitan Lameed, Francesca Chinyere Ukpokolo and David A. Aremu: Àgbélé
Symbol and the Branding of ÌyámòpóMountain in Ìgbẹ́tìfor Heritage Tourism.Waja Volume 52(2)
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
Kola Adekola: Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
University of Ibadan
Ruivo Ferreira Burmann, André Luiz: Goethe University in Frankfurt am
Main/Germany.
Kyazike Elizabeth: Department of History and Political Science, Kyambogo
University.
David Akwasi Mensah Abrampah and Mark Henry Freeman: Department of Archaeology andHeritage Studies University of Ghana and Cirrus Oil Company, Ghana.
ỌLÁLE Ỵ́ Ẹ Samuel Káyo ḍ́ é and Oyelàdé Olúfikáyo
̣́Kúnlé: Department of Religious
Studies, University of Ìbàdàn̩ , Ìbàdàn̩ , Òỵ ó
̣State, Nigeria; Chapel of the Resurrection,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Monica O. Aneni: Department of Classics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Daniel Kenechukwu Chidiogo 1Ibeanu Anselm Maduabuchi and 1Eze-Uzomaka
Pamela: Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka -
Àgbélé Symbol and the Branding of Ìyámòpó Mountain in Ìgbẹ́tìfor Heritage Tourism.
$10.00Àgbélé Symbol and the Branding of Ìyámòpó Mountain in
Ìgbẹ́tìfor Heritage Tourism.
by
Adeola Adeitan Lameed
Department of Sustainability Studies, University of Ibadan
Francesca Chinyere Ukpokolo and David A. Aremu
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan
Abstract
This paper examined how the Àgbélé symbol can brand Ìyámòpó
Mountain a Twenty-first Century tourist site, attracting tourists to
Ìgb̀ ẹ̣́
̣̣́tì. Clifford Geertz’s Symbolic and Interpretive and Walt Whitman
Rostows’ Modernisation theories served as the framework. Qualitative
and quantitative approaches were adopted. Seventy-six informants
were interviewed while 212 questionnaires were administered to
tourists to determine how Àgbélé symbols can brand Ìyámòpó
Mountain. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data while
descriptive statistics were used to report the quantitative data. Àgbélé
rock pedestals with extraordinary aesthetic quality embody cultural
meanings for members of the Ìgb̀ ẹ̣̣̣́́tì community in Ọ̣́lo ̣̣́runsogo Local
Government and also serve as tourist’s attraction. An aggregate of
82.4%; 73%; 77.8% and 74% of the respondents agreed that tourists
can identify Ìyámòpó Mountain through Àgbélé symbol, Àgbélé
symbol can attract tourists to Ìyámòpó and can be used to brand
Ìyámòpó Mountain and other tourism resources, respectively. Using
cultural symbols can be employed to brand tourism destinations.
Keywords: Agbele hill, Tourism Destination, Symbol, Ìyámòpó
Mountain, Ìgb̀ ẹ̣́
̣̣́tì -
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF DRUM MAKING AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE AMONG THE PEOPLE OF OYO
$10.00ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF DRUM MAKING AND ITS
SIGNIFICANCE AMONG THE PEOPLE OF OYO
Olatomiwa K. SarumohAnd
Prof. David AremuDepartment of Archaeology and Anthropology
University of Ibadan.
Email: [email protected] and
[email protected]Abstract
Drum making is a very vital part of Yoruba cultural heritage, its use in
Yoruba folklore cannot be overemphasized. The erosion of cultural
technology in preference for new technologies is a problem for drumming
in Yoruba Land. The motivation of this research is to increase the empirical
understanding of the potential of the art and craft of drum making. This
paper attempts to assess the methods of production and preservation of
hides and other materials used in the production of local drums by the
indigenous people of Oyo town, and rationale how and why the methods
have changed over time. It also highlights the significance of the art of
drumming and drum making as an integral aspect of our cultural heritage.
Data were obtained using ethnographic methods. This project was carried
out among the people of Owode and Apini, Oyo East Local Government
Area, Oyo state.
Keywords: drums, drum-making, ethnography, Oyo, Yoruba land -
An Insight to 50 years of Archaeological Research in Nigeria
$10.00An Insight to 50 years of Archaeological Research in Nigeria
By
Kola AdekolaDepartment of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
E mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Tel: +234-8023374474ABSTRACT
Archaeology is perhaps one of the best barometers to examine 50years
of African study research in Nigeria. It is no gain saying that
archaeology has a central role in providing a holistic understanding of
Nigerian history both with regard to its temporal depth and
complexity. For the past five decades’ scientific research in archaeology
has witnessed an exponential growth from the pioneer efforts of
individuals like Thurstan Shaw, Bernard Fagg and Frank Willett. The
foundation by the pioneers is exemplified by Thurstan Shaw’s
archaeological investigations in Igbo-Ukwu and Iwo-Eleru in the
South Eastern and South Western Nigeria respectively. Arguably,
they were the benchmarks for archaeological investigations in the entire
West African region.
The tempo of archaeological research has improved tremendously
following these earlier works. This essay, therefore, critically examines
some of the archaeological researches conducted in Nigeria with the aim
of highlighting the trajectories of development. It also argues that
perhaps with more funding (for equipment, fieldwork exercise, dating);
training and re-training of archaeologists, the Nigerian field has a lot
of potentials in the understanding of the myriads of problems
confronting the Nigerian state in particular and the global community
in general.
Keywords: Archaeological research in Nigeria; Nigerian
archaeologist; Nok; Ife; Esie; Sungbo-Eredo -
The Archaeobotanical and Palaeoecological Legacy of ‘garden-based’ Agroforestry in the African Rainforest
$10.00The Archaeobotanical and Palaeoecological Legacy of
‘garden-based’ Agroforestry in the African RainforestBy
Orijemie Emuobosa Akpo
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
[email protected]Abstract
Despite once being considered ‘pristine’ wildernesses, there is
emerging evidence that humans have had long-lasting legacies on
tropical forest structure, species distributions, and dynamics over the
course of millennia. In contrast to the Amazon, however, tropical
Africa has thus far been somewhat neglected in these discussions,
despite the significance of its forests to continental carbon and
hydrological cycles, global biodiversity, and human history, with much
debate focusing on the dichotomy of human versus climatic influence
on the so-called Holocene ‘Rainforest Crisis’. Here, I present and
evaluate novel and existing palaeoecological and archaeobotanical
datasets to provide more nuanced insights into past human impacts on
West African rainforests and their legacies in the 21st century.
Analyzing data from southern Nigeria, and regional archaeobotanical
datasets, I argue for the long-term presence of ‘Garden-based’
agroforestry in this part of the world, that has left signatures in the
form of economic plant distributions and environmental structure with
important implications for modern ecology, food security, and
conservation.
Keywords: Tropical rainforests, agriculture, ecosystem, cultural
niche construction, Nigeria -
Oke Afa memorial arcade and the burden of remembrance in Nigeria
$10.00Babajide Olusoji Ololajulo
Department of Archaeology and AnthropologyUniversity of Ibadan
Email: [email protected]Abstract: The Oke-Afa Memorial Arcade in Lagos, Nigeria was
built in honour of victims of the 2002 armoury explosion in Ikeja
military cantonment in the heart of Lagos city. This article,
following ethnographic study of the memorial site, examines theelement of neocolonial development praxis that embed in the Oke-
Afa project, and argues that the arcade to the extent of itsincompatibility with local consciousness about death and
memorialisation, provokes in Nigerians limited memory of victims
of Ikeja bomb explosions. The article focuses on the enactment of
colonial modernity suggested from the limited interaction with the
site. Specifically, it elaborates on how the relationship that the state
and the citizenry bear with the arcade produces the site as an
extraneous cultural artefact. The article concludes that public
memorials in Nigeria occur within the impulsiveness that birthed
many projects implemented by governments in Nigeria.
[Keywords: Public memorials, commemoration, collective
remembrance, honour, disaster monument, Ikeja bomb explosions] -
Postcolonial Ordeal and the Emancipatory Potentials of Archaeology/Anthropology Education in Nigeria
$10.00Postcolonial Ordeal and the Emancipatory Potentials of Archaeology/Anthropology Education in Nigeria
Akinwumi Ogundiran University of North Carolina, Charlotte Email: [email protected]
In response to the theme of this anniversary conference, “Archaeology, Anthropology, and National Development,” I make two arguments. First, that development of any kind will remain a mirage until we emancipate ourselves from the postcolonial ordeal weighing us down. Second, I explain that development is not synonymous with material or infrastructure, the same way that we cannot define a civilization by its monuments. We need a human-centered conception of development that includes the following attributes: Respect for human dignity and belief in the equality of all humankind irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, or class, circumstances of birth, rank, or position; Consciousness of one’s history, heritage, and culture, and unapologetic desire to use it as an epistemological foundation for seeking solutions to contemporary problems and for anticipating the future ones; Belief in the possibility of a better tomorrow and commitment to work towards it; Security of life and property for everyone, not for the powerful only; Justice for all, not only for the rich and powerful. Any society that lives by these five principles will have good roads, a good education system, and good governance. It will drastically reduce, if not eliminate, poverty. Such a society will create jobs and have a social safety net for the homeless and the hungry. Today, we cannot claim to have any of these. Why not?