An Archaeological Investigation of the Okun Speaking Area, Kogu State, Nigeria

Authors

BAKINDE, CLEMENT SUNDAY OLUMUYIWA

Keywords:

Archaeology, pottery, archaeological research, excavations, Nigeria

Synopsis

This work centres on the archaeology of the Okun people; a Yoruba linguistic group. Prior to the current efforts, there has been no concrete plan to conduct a holistic archaeological investigation on their culture history. All the archaeological research so far conducted on them has been dominated by students’ projects, dissertations or thesis. Because of the uncoordinated nature of these researches, the archaeology of the Okun area and their history has not been properly documented. This research is imperative in view of the aforementioned. In carrying out the research, a multidisciplinary approach comprising historical, ethnographic, linguistic and archaeological methods was adopted. The archaeological methods employed involve reconnaissance surveys and excavations at Ebere and Ogboh. Archaeological methods were also used for the analysis of retrieved cultural materials. The interpretation of these cultural materials was based on ethnoarchaeological methods; hence, oral tradition, ethnographic and linguistic evidence was used as aid for interpretation. The result from the research indicated the sites excavated as occupational sites which have been inhabited since the Stone Age period; as affirmed with the presence of polished stone axe in stratified context. From this initial stage, they gradually developed to a level where they either invented or borrowed the idea of using and manufacturing metal wares; the availability of iron slag and tuyeres in all the sites is indicative of this. Also, they developed a means of cultivating their farmland and cooking their food by manufacturing pottery. From the Petrological and chemical analysis, they were engaged in trading activities with people from Iffe, Ebere, Ogboh, Erusu and Ogga among others. In conclusion, the research shows that there has been a continuous human population in the study area with elements of cultural continuity based on their material culture from at least 300BC to the present. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Akekemolu, O. R. (1992). An archaeological reconnaissance survey of Ebere in Ogidi – Ijumu of Kogi State. Unpublished B. A. Project, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Akinade, O. (1987). Deemphasising oral tradition in Ife archaeology. Proceedings of the 6ᵗʰ annual conference of archaeological association of Nigeria. 211-228.

Aleru, J. O. (2000). Pottery from Igbominaland, North Central Yorubaland. West African Journal of Archaeology. 30 (1), 1 – 26.

Allsworth – Jones, P., & Oyelaran, P. A., (1991). Itaakpa rockshelter, Kwara State – Recent Results. West African Journal of Archaeology 21, 208-213.

Andah, B. W., & Okpoko, A. I. (1979). Oral traditions and West African cultural history: A new direction. Perspectives on West African’s past. West African Journal of Archaeology 9, 201-204.

Andah, B. W., & Okpoko, A. I., (1994). Practising Archaeology in Africa. Ibadan: Wisdow Publishers Limited.

Anderson, A. (1984). Interpreting pottery. London: B. T. Batsford

Aribido, A. J. (2006). Traditional cloth weaving (aso – oke) in Ekirin – Adde – Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State. Unpublished B. A. project. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Asakitikpi, A. E. (2001). Aseye rockshelter excavations at Iffe-Ijumu, Kogi State Nigeria. West African Journal of Archaeology 31(1) 31-60.

Atherton, W. H. (1983). Ethnoarchaeology in Africa. African Archaeological Review 1, 75-104.

Bakinde, C. O. (1990). A reconnaissance survey of Okeeghon abandoned settlement site. Unpublished B.A. project. Ahmadu Bello Univeristy, Zaria.

Bakinde, C. O. (2003). A Survey of Ogidi and Okekafe abandoned hill settlements. Unpublished M.A. dissertation. University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Bakinde, C. O. (2004). Ufe and her potting traditions. Nigerian traditional crafts for self - reliance. Proceedings of the 16ᵗʰ conference of the archaeological association of Nigeria. pp. 101 – 109.

Bakinde, C. O. (2005). An archaeological survey of Ufe settlements: A preliminary report. West African Journal of Archaeology. Vol. 35, 51 – 63.

Baikie, W. B. (1966 Narrative of an exploring voyage up the rivers Kwora and Binue commonly known as the Niger and Tsadda in 1854. London: Frank Cass & Co.

Published

June 23, 2023
Copyright (c) 2023 CODESRIA Books Publication System