Best Seller Items
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2019 Igbo-Ukwu Research Project
$10.00Short Notes on the 2019 Igbo-Ukwu Research Project
Kingsley Chinedu Daraojimba
Department of Archaeology and Tourism
University of Nigeria. Nsukka
[email protected]
Introduction
Igbo-Ukwu is a world renowned archaeological site which lies about 40 kilometres east of the
lower Niger River in Anambra State, Nigeria (Fig. 1). The Igbo-Ukwu Archaeological and
Heritage Project began its first phase in November 2019. The revisit to the site was the first
after six decades the original excavations were conducted by Professor Thurstan Shaw.
Between 1959 and 1964, Shaw’s excavations in the three sites (Igbo Richard, Igbo Isaiah and
Igbo Jonah) revealed a royal burial chamber and large collection of intricately decorated
pottery, bone and ivory, objects of copper, iron and elaborate bronze art, fabric, carnelian, stone
and coloured glass beads dated over 1000 years old (Shaw 1970; 1977). In response to poor
attention to the renowned Igbo-Ukwu sites, a community-engaged archaeology project was
conceptualised by Shaw’s widow, Pamela Jane Smith, in consultation with compound owners,
the Traditional Ruler and the Anozie family.
Community archaeology though far from new in Africa, where archaeologists such as Thurstan
Shaw and Merrick Posnansky have practised it (Schmidt 2014), many researchers still poorly
engage local and indigenous communities in their research approach (Pikirayi and Schmidt
2016). There are several hindrances responsible for this poor community-researcher
engagement. Some of such hindrances among others include mistrust arising from damaging
experiences under colonial rule, looting and sale of cultural items and non-obedience to the
culturally or socially prohibited rules guiding the preservation of cultural heritage (Aleru and
Adekola 2016). Community archaeology is archaeology of the people, for the people and by
the people. In other words, it is an archaeological activity that is focused on drawing a
connection between communities and archaeological remains for the purose of benefitting the
local community and preservation of their archaeological heritage (Lewis, 2018). Since
community archaeology was more about what the community needs and not what the
archaeologist thinks the community needs (Smith et al. 2020), this ten day inclusive community
approach was targeted at handing over, at least, partial control of the project to the local
community. This approach was targeted at promoting indigenous views in interpretations and
to empower communities to benefit from and participate in developing their ownarchaeological sites. The approach is important as the first phase of the efforts to launch a long-
term archaeological project in Igbo-Ukwu. This paper briefly describes the first phase of theproject and highlights the possibilities in the area for future archaeological research.
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60 Years of Archaeological Research and Practice in Southeast Nigeria: An Appraisal
$10.0060 Years of Archaeological Research and Practice in Southeast Nigeria:
An Appraisal
By
Edwin E. Okafor
Department of Archaeology and Tourism
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Elochukwu A. Nwankwo
Department of Archaeology and Tourism
University of Nigeria Nsukka
And
John U. Ngonadi
Department of Archaeology and Tourism
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Abstract
The advent of archaeology in Southeast Nigeria can be traced to the famous Igbo-Ukwu excavations in 1961 by Professor Thurstan Shaw and his team. Since then, the discipline has unravelled many other archaeological sites in the region. This study was aimed at looking at the archaeological research in Southeast Nigeria since 1961 with a view to understand the various progress, contributions, challenges and prospect of the discipline in the region. So many archaeological researches have been conducted in the region since inception with remarkable contributions. The famous Igbo-Ukwu bronze pot dated to 9th BC, discovery of similar Acheulian tools at Ugwuelle, the discovery of the oldest iron working technology in West Africa in Lejja, among others. Archaeological research has contributed significantly to culture preservation and identity promotion of the region, and the consequential impact on the world archaeological map. Some challenges like poor funding, inadequate facilities, obsolete legislation, and poor public/community support, among others were identified as the challenges of archaeological research in Southeast Nigeria since inception in 1961. Practical recommendations like establishment of more archaeology departments in the region, institution of government special intervention scheme, public awareness and academic publications, support for regular students’ field school, systematic public/community orientation and involvement, among others, were recommended to consolidate archaeological research and practice in Southeast Nigeria. This study has implications for improved and sustainable archaeological research and practice in Southeast Nigeria.
Keywords: Archaeological research and practice, sites, museums; iron smelting; Excavations and reports.
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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. -
A Contribution to Heritage and Islamic Archaeology of Bauchi Region, Northern Nigeria
$10.00A Contribution to Heritage and Islamic Archaeology of Bauchi Region, Northern Nigeria
Abubakar Sule Sani
Department of Archaeology
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
This paper attempts to appraise the influence of Islam and related thematic factors on socio-political developments in Bauchi region in the last 1500 years. It considered archaeological evidence from excavations of some sites from southern Bauchi area. Oral traditional sources were also used in the paper. Socio-political developments in the Bauchi region are highlighted by long distance trade, slave trade and other specialised processes of craft production. Islam would appear to have inspired the alteration of existing local political systems by the realignment of Islam into the mainstay socio-political structure of Kasar Bauchi; especially, in the early part of the 19th century after the Sokoto jihad ran by Uthman ibn Fodio. In addition, cultural developments in the region were also facilitated by population movements from Bornu, Kwararafa and other Hausa states. There is need for more studies by anthropologists and archaeologists interested in the influence of Islam on African societies in the last millennium. The work concludes that complementary use of sources such as archaeology and oral histories are vital to a better understanding of cultural developments in the region and beyond.
Keywords
Bauchi, jihad, oral traditions, archaeology, socio-political development
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A Study of Ancient Subsistence Strategies of the Coastal Dangbe of Ghana: An Archaeological Perspective
$10.00Beveridge Fritz
Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies
University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.Abstract
Significant gaps exist in our understanding of the ancient economy of the coastal Dangbe
ethinic group who occupy Kpone, Prampram, Old Ningo, Ningo, Sege and Ada all of which
are located on the eastern coastal plain of Ghana. The study was undertaken in phases and
this paper is a summary of results from the first phase of work undertaken along Kpone
beach. The objective of the researcher was to use archaeological data to establish their
ancient subsistence strategies and economy. The study covered the period circa 1400 to 1800
A.D. The main thrust of the study was archaeological. However, other sources of data such as
ethno historical data, oral information, written documents and ethnographic data were also
used to complement the archaeological data.
The study revealed the people who occupied the study area had several specialists‘
vocations and had developed relatively complex exchange systems attested to by extensive
intra regional trade activities with neighbouring ethnic groups like Akyem and Akwamu.
Between the 16th and late 19th century, they had also established vibrant commercial links
with different European nations such as the English, Danish, French and Dutch on the Guinea
coast. Thee activities impacted positively on the socio-economic life ways of the settlers. It
made possible the introduction of new cultigens like maize and exotic European imports like
glass beads, guns, gun powder, linen, metal products, tobacco and smoking pipes among
many others to the area.
It is also probable that these developments facilitated and enhanced population growth
and promoted ethnic heterogeneity. Other significant developments arising out of these
commercial activities and cultural contacts may have included urbanization and state
formation. -
AA TABLE CONTENT WAJA VOLUME 50
vi
AKA Atché Michel, Les iles Eotile : un point de convergence culturelle……………182
Goeti BiIrié Maxime, Gaille Elodie and Kiénon-Kabore Timpoko Hélène,
Savoir-faire tinctoriaux des textiles de tradition Dida : un patrimoine à preserver……………………………………………………………………………………………………….208
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AA TABLE OF CONTENT VOLUME 49
S.O. Ogundele and J. Ogunsetire, Imiegba Pottery in a Cultural Perspective ……….1
M. J. Abah, Knowledge in Local Healthcare as an Intangible Heritage: Utilizing
Medicinal Plants in Okpoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State,
Nigeria…………………………………………………………………………………………………………14Aliyu Adamu Isa, Preliminary Results of Excavations in Surame, Northwest
Nigeria…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….35Kola Adekola, Aspect of Dietary Pattern, Farming Practices and Organisations
Amongst the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria……………………………………………………44Ifeyinwa Emejulu/Ikenna Odife, Heritage Sites Management in South Eastern
Nigeria; Issues, Challenges and Prospects……………………………………………………………64Na’ankwat Yola Kwapnoe, An Ethno-archaeological Survey of Subsistence
Agriculture Among Qua’anpan Hill Settlements in Southern Jos Plateau, Nigeria…..73Mireille AMEDE E. GBANHOUNME, Le Musée Honmè : support de
l’enseignement du panégyrique dans les écoles du Bénin………………………………………85Aka Adjo BEBEWOU, Les musées togolais dans la promotion du patrimoine
culturel…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..97DAPA AkouaDibiaMarie-Joelle1, TUI Lah Louis2 and KIÉNON-KABORÉ
Timpoko Hélène3, La métallurgie ancienne du fer dans la région de Poro (nord-cote
d’ivoire) : Cas du site Kadjologo 1 de Poungbe…………………………………………………111N’doua Etienne ETTIEN, Les amas coquilliers : un phénomène archéologique de
premier plan de la Côte d’Ivoire côtière a préserver…………………………………………….123Aminou Gambari, Didier N’dah, La fortification de tunru-gbere (nord-Benin) : un
patrimoine archéologique en péril………………………………………………………………….133Colette GOUNOU, Abdoulaye LAWANI, Enseignement du patrimoine
archéologique dans les écoles et collèges du Bénin…………………………………………….147TIE Bi Galla Guy Roland, Timpoko Hélène Kaboré-Kienon, Sidérurgie ancienne à
Issia : protection et valorisation des sites menacés du village de Gazibouo (centre ouest
forestier de Côte d’Ivoire)………………………………………………………………………………..157Kingsley Chinedu Daraojimba, Brief Report on 2019 Igbo-Ukwu Research
Project…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..177 -
AA Table of Contents 45
Table of Contents 45
Okpoko, A.I. Archaeology and Anthropology: the Foot Prints and
Legacy of Bassey Wai Andah……………………………………….…….1
Okpoko, A.I. and Onu, A.O. Traditional Foundation for Christian Virtues
in Igboland: a Link from Bassey Andah’s Viewpoint on Religion
and Religious Life in Africa…………………………………………………23
Tubi, Paul-Kolade. Historicism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism:
The Contribution of Bassey W. Andah to Deconstructing African
Anthropology……………………………………..…………………………..42
Ezeh, P.J. Indigenous Technology: Some Medical Examples of the
Orring And the Igbo……………………………………………………………………..57
Tubi, Paul-Kolade. Ethnography of the Dynamics of Politics and
Religion in Traditional Society: A Case Study of the OkunYoruba………………………………………………………………………………………..65
Ogundele, S. O. Towards Poverty Alleviation: Public Archaeology,
Heritage Management and Museum in Nigeria………………………………..86
Oyinloye, M.A. and Aremu, D.A. Ethnographic Study of
Wooden Objects’ Conservation: Focus on National Museums in
Lagos and Oron, Nigeria……………………………………………………………..102 -
AA Table of Contents 46
Table of Contents 46
Tollo Eloi Cyrille. Métallurgie du fer dans la rive gauche de la Sanaga. Etude de
l’atelier de réduction du fer d’Elig-Zogo Philadelphia au Cameroun……………….1
Mandeng Jean Robert. Les fouilles archéologiques de Nkolandom: contribution
à la connaissance du peuplement ancien au sud Cameroun le cas des abris sous
roche de Dum Ebete Akok et Nkomeyos…………………………………………………..18
Elouga Martin. Fortifications in Tikars Chiefdoms. Temporal security borders
and indicators of an autarchic economic and social life in peace or war time.
A contribution to historical archaeology in Cameroon.………………………………34
Biveridge Fritz. Trade Feuds and Armed Confrontations: Archaeological
indications at Forts Eliza Carthago and Ruychaver, Western Region,
Ghana…………………………………………………………………………………………………….52
Wellington Ing. H. N. A., Fritz Biveridge and Daniel Kuma. Iconoclasm,
Antithesis to Cultural Heritage Conservation in Ghana – A Case-Study of
Conflicts Typology in the Danish-Osu Heritage Setting……………………………….69
Emuobosa Akpo Orijemie, . Holocene vegetation change in the forests of
southwest Nigeria: Inferences from Lowland Rainforest Species
Diversity……………………………………………………………………………………………..86
Pogoson Ohioma Ifounu. Interrogating Anthropomorphism in Benin and
Northern Edo Art: Some Tentative Notes for Historical Clarifications…………103Garba Abubakar. Archaeology Of The Chad Basin, North East Nigeria: Success
Story And Limitations…………………………………………………………………………….120 -
AA Table of Contents 47
Table of Contents
Orijemie Emuobosa Akpo: Farming Dynamics in the Middle Benue Valley, north-central Nigeria since the 15th Century AD………………………………………62
Abubakar Sule Sani: Contribution to Heritage and Islamic Archaeology of Bauchi Region, Northern Nigeria…………………………………………………………81
Ruivo Ferreira Burmann, André Luiz: Preliminary Comparative analyzes of Prehistoric Figurine Traditions in West Africa…………………………………100
Kabiru K. Salami: Traditional Birth Attendants and Maternal Health Service Delivery in a Community Health Project in South-western Nigeria: A qualitative study…………………………………………………………………………….121
Kafayat O. Oshodi, Kabiru K. Salami and Patricia A. Taiwo: Motherhood and the Practice of Grand Multiparity: Responses from Grand Multiparous Women in Ibadan, Nigeria………………………………………………………………….143
Olanrewaju Lasisi: History of Archaeological Research in the Yoruba-Edo region of Nigeria: New Directions for Urban Earthen works……………………………………169
Salamatou: Archéologie Historique Au Cameroun. Les Sites De L’occupation Allemande Dans Le Mbam (ndikiniméki, Bafiaet Nyamanga II)…………………199
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AA Table of Contents 48
Table of Contents
Adande, Alexis: We, African Archaeologists, Who Do We Serve? ………………..1
Ogundiran¹ Akinwumi, Macham Mangut², and Olusegun Moyib³:
The Archaeological Landscape of Bara, near Oyo-Ile…………………..……….15
Holl, F. C. Augustin : Exercise, Violence, Illness, and Death: Mortuary Programs as Curriculum-Vitae …………………………………………………….33
Ogundele, S. Oluwole : Nigeria’s Place in the Sun: Colonial/Neo-colonial
Agendas, Contested Narratives and Post-Andah Archaeology ………..….45
Tubi, Fr. Paul-Kolade : Ethnoarchaeological Importance of Lokoja Rockshelters.
………………………………………………………………………………..…..57
John Kelechi Ugwuanyi: Hegemonic Heritage and Public Exclusion in Nigeria:
A Search for Inclusive and Sustainable Alternatives ………………………………..71
Fr. Paul-Kolade Tubi,:Field Archaeology in Israel: A Short Note. ……………109
José Farrujia de la Rosa: The Amazigh people of Western Africa: the early colonization of the Canary Islands. …………………………………………….121
N´zi Dibié Charles: Vers une nouvelle configuration de l’archéologie en Côte d’Ivoire ? ……………………………………………………………………….131
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AA TABLES OF CONTENTS WAJA 51
Table of Contents
Pages
Editorial Board:………………………………………………………….…………………..…ii
Note to Contributors:……..…………………………………..… ………………………………iii
List of Contributors:………………………………….………………………..……………….iv
vi
vii
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AA TABLES OF CONTENTS WAJA 52 – 2
Table of Contents
Pages
Editorial Board:………………………………………………………….…………………..…ii
Note to Contributors:……..…………………………………..… ………………………………iii
List of Contributors:………………………………….………………………..……………….iv
TABLE OF CONTENT
Kola Adekola: A Consideration of Ethical Issues in Archaeology and Anthropology
Ruivo Ferreira Burmann, André Luiz:
Preliminary comparative analyzes of prehistoric figurine traditions in Wester Africa.Kyazike Elizabeth: Kansyore Crescents: Multipurpose Functional Tools and
Technological Complexity.David Akwasi Mensah Abrampah and Mark Henry Freeman: Slaves and Grains:
Understanding the Role of Slaves and Grains in the History of Anomabu during the trans- Atlantic trade.ỌLÁLẸ́YẸ Samuel Káyọ̀dé and Oyelàdé Olúfikáyọ̀ Kúnlé : Gender Issues in Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́
Ritual Masks, Songs and Dance: Their Implications for Social Harmony and Family StabilityMonica O. Aneni: Prosopography of the Somatophylakes of Alexander the Great.
Daniel Kenechukwu Chidiogo 1Ibeanu Anselm Maduabuchi and 1Eze-Uzomaka
Pamela: Analyses of Mineral Composition of Potsherds from Iron Smelting Site in
Ukehe and its Implications for Archaeological Investigation -
AA TABLES OF CONTENTS WAJA 52-1
Table of Contents
Pages
Editorial Board:………………………………………………………….…………………..…ii
Note to Contributors:……..…………………………………..… ………………………………iii
List of Contributors:………………………………….………………………..……………….iv
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 RainforestKola 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 Ìyámòpó Mountain in Ìgbẹ́tì for Heritage Tourism.
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AA- Table of Content 38 & 39|Articles
Table of Content 38 & 39
1 ————————————————– 24 Pottery Traditions of the Earthworks of Southern Ghana: Test
Excavation at the Site of Ngyeduam
J. Boachie-Ansah Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana25 ——————————————– 41 Challenges of Dating and Sequencing in West African Stone Age Archaeology Since the 1970s
Obarè B. Bagodo Departement d‟histoire et d‟archéologie Université d‟Abomey-Calavi, Bénin Republic42 ——————————————- 50 Interpreting Benin Art Objects In Catalogues and Books as
Indigenous Photographs Captured in Conventional Photography
Kokunre Agbontaen-Ekghofona
Department of Sociology and Anthropology University of Benin Benin City51 ——————————————— 57 Archaeological Survey of Nri
A.I. Okpoko, A. M. Ibeanu, C.E. Umeokafor
Department of Archaeology and Tourism University of Nigeria, Nsukka.58 —————————————– 73 Rethinking The Archaeology of Zaria Area: Evidence From Recent Archaeological Investigations
Dr K. T. Odofin Department of Archaeology, Ahmadubello University, Zaria74 —————————————- 88 Iron Working Traditions in Idomaland and Northern Igboland
Border Communities
Ibeanu, A.M. and Inalegwu, S.A -
AA- Table of Content 40 & 41|Articles
Table of Content 40 & 41
1 ————————————————- 14 Pottery Tradition and Heritage Management in Sukur Kingdom, Nigeria.
Pat Uche Okpoko Ph.D. and Emeka E. Okonkwo Department of Archaeology and Tourism
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.15 ———————————————– 23 Archaeological Excavations in parts of the Katsina Ala Basin, Benue Valley of Nigeria.
Jonathan Demenongo Ndera (Ph.D.) Department of Archaeology Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.24 ——————————————– 32 Gender Representations in Death and Burial Rituals:
Perspectives from Some Cultural Groups in Ghana
Gertrude Aba Mansah Eyifa Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies University of Ghana, Legon. Accra, Ghana33 ———————————————— 47 A Study of Ancient Subsistence Strategies of the Coastal Dangbe of Ghana: An Archaeological Perspective
Beveridge Fritz Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana48 ————————————————55 Traditional Potters of Eggonland: An Ethnoarchaeological Investigation
Ibeanu, A. M. Department of Archaeology and Tourism,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka. and Gershom D. Dalat Department of History, Nasarawa State, University, Keffi.56 ———————————————- 66 Preliminary Report of Archaeological Investigations of Esie, North Central Yorubaland
Adekola, K. and Aleru, J. O. Department of Archaeology and Anthropology University of Ibadan,Ibadan, Nigeria67 ———————————————– 74 Stone Fortification of Surame, Northwestern Nigeria
Olusegun Opadeji75 ———————————————– 84 Africa and Archaeology: Empowering an Expatriate
Merrick Posnansky
Book Reviewed by Prof. C.A. Folorunso -
Africa and Archaeology: Empowering an Expatriate
$10.00Merrick Posnansky
Book Reviewed by Prof. C.A. FolorunsoThe book, an autobiography of Merrick Posnansky, has nine chapters excluding the
introduction that was not assigned a chapter number. The introduction is a veritable summary
of the book. The chapters of the book do not follow chronological sequence that one would
have expected from an archeologists but they treat different subjects of Merrick‘s life and
each subject has its chronology. -
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 -
An Ethno-archaeological Survey of Subsistence Agriculture Among Qua’anpan Hill Settlements in Southern Jos Plateau, Nigeria
$10.00An Ethno-archaeological Survey of Subsistence Agriculture Among Qua’anpan
Hill Settlements in Southern Jos Plateau, Nigeria
By
Na’ankwat Yola Kwapnoe
Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies
University of Jos.
Email: [email protected]
Phone No: +2347068150891Abstract
Early agricultural practices are a defining factor for early human settlements around
the world. Today, many agricultural/farming communities dominate Africa but the
history of their success as agriculturists is not documented in order to trace the
foundation upon which this is built and to further develop it. Presently, most farming
activities in Qua’anpan, located on the southern edge of the Jos Plateau, is done on
plain frontier lands on the Benue trough. However, this paper seeks to discuss early
indigenous agricultural practices among the inhabitants of the hill settlements
(homeland) of present day Qua’anpan, particularly the pan people because this
formed the foundation for the large scale and mostly commercial agriculture that is
practiced today among the people. This includes their system of crop farming, animal
domestication, types of crops produced and other subsistence practices such as
storage practices and the continuity of such.Using surface archaeological and
ethnographic data, this work reveals subsistence agricultural practices that were
developed traditionally by the peopleand still sustained centuries later. It is hoped that
the knowledge of traditional agriculture among the Pan which involves
commercialization born from food sufficiency can be adopted to solve some of Africa’s
food problems and bring about development in health and education.
Keywords: Pan, Subsistence, agriculture, ethno-archaeology, Jos Plateau, food
sufficiency -
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 -
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 -
Archaeological Excavations in parts of the Katsina Ala Basin, Benue Valley of Nigeria.
$10.00Jonathan Demenongo Ndera (Ph.D.)
Department of Archaeology
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.Abstract
This paper is a report of the recent archaeological excavations carried out on the northeastern
part of the Katsina Ala basin in the middle Benue valley of Nigeria. Archaeological
investigations started on the northeastern part of the Katsina Ala basin in the 1950s but this
was not sustained until the 1970s when the staff of the Department of Archaeology,
University of Ibadan initiated an archaeological research scheme for the Benue Valley.
Between 1980 and 2008, the northeastern part of the Katsina Ala basin witnessed series of
archaeological investigations leading to the location of historical and archaeological sites,
understanding of settlement behaviour and the history of origin and migration of different
groups in the Benue Valley. This paper is a report of the excavations conducted on and
around Dikpo hill in Mbagena-Shitire, a Tiv group inhabiting the northeastern part of the
Katsina Ala Basin. Though archaeological investigations have contributed immensely to the
understanding of the settlement history of the Shitire, the investigations would be more
rewarding if they are expanded and sustained over a period of time. -
Archaeological excavations of Nkolandom: contribution to the knowledge of the old settlement in the south Cameroun the case of the rock shelters of Dum Ebete Akok and Nkomeyos (Cameroun-Southerner) preliminary Notes
$10.00Par
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 agewhich manifests itself through the presence of lithic such as erasing, knife/scraper-
eraser, splinter and nibs. The second sequence, probably the Stone age unfoldsthrough 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. -
Archaeological investigation of iron smelting in Ukehe, Nsukka Southeast, Nigeria 1Daniel, Kenechukwu, 2
$10.00Archaeological investigation of iron smelting in Ukehe, Nsukka Southeast, Nigeria
1Daniel, Kenechukwu, 2
Ibeanu Anselm,
Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
1
[email protected],
2
[email protected]Abstract
Despite the enormous evidence of iron smelting sites in Nsukka and environs, very few
sites have been investigated and radiocarbon dated. Some however, have been
investigated but not dated while many sites are yet to receive the attention of
archaeologists. One of those sites is Ukehe iron smelting site where we observed
massive evidence of iron smelting in various villages which include, iron slag, baked
clays, fragments of furnace walls and ores. Using ethnoarchaeological methods, this
study aims to investigate, document and characterize site debris to see the relationship
if any between Ukehe and other Nsukka radiocarbon dated iron smelting sites. The
Eziamaugwu village iron smelting site was selected for excavation based on the
observed iron slag debris and evidence of polishedstone axe collected during
reconnaissance at the site. Charcoal sample from the site was sent for radiocarbon at
the site. determination and dated 1540-1635cal AD (410-315cal BP) and 1450-
1530cal (500-420cal BP).
Key words: iron working, investigation, excavation, archaeology, Ukehe. -
Archaeological Investigations on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria: A Case Study of Lankan
$10.00Archaeological Investigations on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria: A Case
Study of Lankan
Macham Mangut and J.O. Aleru
Department of Archaeology and AnthropologyUniversity of Ibadan
Abstract
This paper reports recent archaeological investigations in Lankan (the ancestral home
of the Ron people) on the Jos Plateau in Nigeria. Most of the early settlements were
located on hill tops. The study revealed that human occupation in Lankan predates the
17th century and there was continuity in the occupation of the area from the past to
present. It also confirms the existence of cultural connections between Ronland and
Lankan. Despite their differences, the different groups in Lankan interacted not only
among themselves but also with their neighbours through trade. This study has,
therefore, added to our understanding of the emergence of the Ron as a people. It has
as well added to our understanding of early human occupation and inter-group
relations on the Jos Plateau.
Keywords: Ron, Lankan, Jos Plateau, Inter-group relations. -
Archaeological Reconnaissance in the Forest of the Tanoé-Ehy Swamps (FMTE) and its margins (Southeastern Côte d’Ivoire): Challenges and Prospects
$10.00Siméon K. Kouassi & Sylvain K. Koffi
Institut des Sciences Anthropologiques de Développement (ISAD)
Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny/Cocody-Abidjan – Côte d’Ivoire
[email protected] & [email protected]Abstract
Archaeological Reconnaissance in the Forest of the Tanoé-Ehy Swamps
(FMTE) and its margins (Southeastern Côte d’Ivoire): Challenges and
Prospects
Archaeological investigations into the coastal area in Côte d’Ivoire has long been
dominated by research themes focused on shell mounds and ceramics, accordingly
to archaeologically-based issues. The implementation of a research project on the
margins of the Forest of the Tanoé-Ehy Swamps (FMTE) (Southeastern Côte
d’Ivoire), jointly by archaeologists and biologists, has opened a new way of
approach, challenges and prospects.
The present study consists of a preliminary report on the results of recording
of on-site oral traditions that facilitated a field reconnaissance based on surface
collection of fragments of ceramics (potsherds), smoking pipes and beads. This
joint fieldwork has revealed ?the attraction of that FMTE area on past humans
probably concerned with settlement subsistence and security potentialities. In this
regard, the major and final aim of the starting research project is to advocate for the
ecological safeguarding and the archaeological valorization of this specific land
where are living such endangered monkeys (primates) hereafter termed (in French)
as “Cercopithèque diane roloway”, “Cercocèbe couronné” and “Colobe bai de
Miss Waldron”.
Key words: Archaeological reconnaissance, Tanoé-Ehy Swampy Forest (FMTE),
Côte d’Ivoire, Safeguarding and valorization. -
Archaeological Reconnaissance of Ikot Abiyak and Ikot Esia Old Settlement Sites, Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
$10.00Archaeological Reconnaissance of Ikot Abiyak and Ikot Esia Old Settlement Sites,
Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Otobong Enefiok Akpan
Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
E-mail: [email protected]Introduction
Ikot Abiyak and Ikot Esia are villages located in the present-day Oku Iboku clan in Itu
Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Ikot Abiyak and Ikot Esia are two
(2)villages among the eight (8) villages (Ikot Abiyak, Ikot Esia, Ikot Essien, Ikot
Adakpan, Ikot Anteun, Ikot Ekaiko, Ikot Oku and Ikot Ntu Oku) that make up Oku
Iboku clan. Research on these sites was informed through oral information derived
from an indigene by name Ekong (Akpan, 2015 pers. comm), who spoke of the
existence of old settlement site sakan obio within Oku Iboku vicinity that needed to be
salvage and documented. Consequently, interest in the choice of the sites was geared
based on the oral information derived from Effiong (Akpan 2017, pers. comm) stating
that the area was economically relevant in the history of Akwa Ibom State during the
slave trade and the colonial period because Itu river and Oku Iboku beach were
strategic location which served as an entre port. -
Archaeological Reconnaissance, Cultural Documentation And Archaeo- Tourism Possibilities Of Orile-Owu, Sout
$10.00Kingsley C. DARAOJIMB
Department of Archaeology and Anthr
University
+2348082403981
[email protected]Introduction
Archaeological reconnaissance is a systematic approach of survey employed by
archaeologists for the purpose of locating, describing and documenting
archaeological sites. It is a deliberate search for artefacts or features associated with
the cultural history of a group of people. This is done so as to uncover aspects of the
written/unwritten past of the people under study in order to understand their history
and cultural development. Investigation of this kind entails two methods of
approach. First, the naked eyes and previous knowledge of the history, geography
and geology of the area; and second, the use of scientific methods such as aerial
photo and thermal infrared imagery, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic
conductivity and Ground Penetrating Radar systems (Andah and Okpoko, 1994).
Due to financial constraints in Nigeria, the use of scientific devices is not always
considered by archaeologists who often lack adequate funding. However, the use of
the naked eyes and previous knowledge of the area adopted in this study, though
laborious, is generally and widely practised by many archaeologists as one of the
rituals of fieldwork globally. Not just because of its affordability but also the fact
that it provides an avenue of firsthand interaction, mastery and understanding of the
landscape thereby enhancing a better interpretation.
Previous researches conducted at Orile-Owu point to it as an area worthy of
archaeological research due to the richness and indeed, romance of the local sociocultural
landscape. Such studies have focused on the impact of its natural and
cultural resources on socio-economic development in Nigeria (Adejobi, 2001);
practice of blacksmithing (Ijegbai, 2001); and its tourism potentials (Ebonine,
2010; Ogundele and Ebonine, 2010). In addition, the Department of Archaeology
and Anthropology, University of Ibadan carried out a five-year project (2010-2014)
on the origins, migrations and settlement of the people of Owu. This paper presents
a report of archaeological survey carried out at Orile-Owu. The report advances on
the research of Ogundele and Ebonine (2010) by taking a step further to examine the
cultural and natural landscapes and provide a tangible document of inventory of
cultural features/materials in the area.. Results from this current research will to a
West Afri. Journ of Arch. Vol. 46 (2) 2016
greater extent push back the frontiers of knowledge with respect to the peopling of
the region within the confines of natural and socio-cultural adaptation. This
underscores the reason why investigations in the area were targeted at searching,
recovering and documenting archaeological features/artefacts in a systematic and
socially engaging manner. This involved answering certain pertinent questions
with regard to nature of the cultural and natural landscape and cultural identities of
the people. -
Archaeological Survey of Nri
$10.00A.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. -
Archaeology of The Chad Basin, North East Nigeria: Success Story And Limitations
$10.00Abubakar Garba
Centre for Trans-Saharan Studies,
University of Maiduguri,
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]Abstract
The Chad Basin covers an area of about 2.4million sq.km, but the conventional
basin which is under the jurisdiction of Lake Chad Basin Commission is about
1.00million sq km and hosts about 30 million inhabitants from five member
countries, namely; Nigeria, Niger, Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroun.
Agriculture, fishing and livestock rearing that rely on the water resources of the
basin are the primary sources of income for this population. The region provides a
fascinating scenario with regard to abundant archaeological, historical and living
cultural resources. Archaeologically, it is a region with vast archaeological
resources some of which made a great imprint not only within the sub-region but the
world at large. The Daima excavations of 1965-66 by Graham Connah were a case
in point. The Dufuna canoe with an antiquity of over 8000 years, so far the oldest
canoe in Africa and the third oldest in the world also speaks of the antiquity of the
region in terms of human activities including water transportation. Historically,it is
a crossroads of many cultures while linguistically,it is a zone of convergence and
divergence of most ethnic groups we found today in the North-Eastern region of
Nigeria.The Chad basin is a huge landmass which witnessed a series of depositions
and activities, and is rightly referred to as a cultural watershed, and an interface of
four major cultures of the world the Eastern, the western, the Saharan and Sudanic
(Alkali, 1991). The region accommodated one of the largest dynasties in Africa, the
Sayfawa (Alkali and Yusuf 1991). The methodology adopted adopted for this
research involved literature review of past and recent archaeological activities
undertaken by Graham Connah, some research projects results within the
framework of the University of Maiduguri-Frankfurt Joint Research project, and
the Wandala project with the University of Calgary,Canada.
Keywords: Chad Basin, Scenario, Daima, Dufuna, Dynasty, Sahara, Sudanic,
Wandala. -
Archéologie Historique Au Cameroun. Les Sites De L’occupation Allemande Dans Le Mbam (ndikiniméki, Bafiaet Nyamanga II).
$10.00Archéologie Historique Au Cameroun. Les Sites De L’occupation Allemande Dans Le Mbam (ndikiniméki, Bafiaet Nyamanga II).
SALAMATOU.
Doctorante en archéologie
Université de Yaoundé I
E-mail : [email protected]
Résumé
La pratiquede l’archéologie au Cameroun remonte à la première moitié du XXe siècle avec les travaux des explorateurs coloniaux.Cependant, lesnouvellesorientations suiviespar cette science aussi bien sur les plans conceptuel, théorique et méthodologique sonten déploiement.Pour les périodes récentes de l’histoire du Cameroun, les recherches dans le domaine restent insuffisantes. Cette réflexion, inscrite dans le champ de l’archéologie historique, porte sur l’étude des traces matérielles de l’occupation allemande au Cameroun. L’objectif général estla connaissance modèles d’occupation et d’aménagement de l’espace produits par les Allemands entre la fin du XIXe siècle et le début du XXe siècle dans le sud Cameroun, ainsi que des motivations profondes d’une telle gestion de l’espace par les allemands.La recherche combine les approches, historique, archéologique et ethnographique.
Mots clés : Archéologie historique, sud Cameroun, modèle occupation, aménagement.