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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 -
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 -
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] -
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