Waja

Kingsley 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.