Usman. A. Aribidesi
Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
Jonathan O. Aleru
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
James U. Ameje
National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja, Nigeria

Absract
The practice of creating and using tumuli as burial markers is very old in human
history. While this was a universal practice, there are variations in size,
composition and usage of tumuli from culture to culture. Despite tumuli’s
conspicuous and massive appearance, they still remain a mystery among many
societies of the world. Ojuwo Atogwu is a tumulus earthen mound associated with
the Igala royal family at Idah in Kogi State of Nigeria. Oral traditions have
suggested multiple function of the earthen mound, including but not limited to,
burial of the dead, defensive feature, and religious-ritual use. Archaeological
excavations at the site have provided some insights on the antiquity and physical
attributes of the earthen mound, although much is still expected in the material
cultural attributes of the mound. We present here the results of recent excavations
and the preliminary data relevant to the understanding of Ojuwo Atogwu
tumulus/mound and socio-historical and cultural relationship with the Igala.