Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies

Permanent URI for this collection

http://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/4885

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 26

Anthropology of Streetism: Documenting the Heritage Resources of Street Dwellers in Adabraka
(University of Ghana, 2020) Nsiah, S.
The phenomenon of working and living on the street is on the rise in most Third World Countries of which Ghana is no exception. There have been several investigations into the lives of street dwellers most of which have provided useful insights into understanding the causes, effects and remedies to this phenomenon. However, most of such works fail to identify and document the positive cultural constructions that can be learned or deduced from life in the streets. This research explored and drew insights from the day to day life of the street dwellers in Adabraka, and identified and documented some aspects of their ways of life that can be viewed as the heritage. Concluding on information gathered during my research through the use of an eclectic research methodology which included techniques of both ethnography and visual documentation, it was evident that street dwelling is not always bad as mostly perceived. There are some positive aspects of this way of life that can be learned by the ‘normal’ individual. The study, for instance, revealed that the attitude of determination and perseverance, the African concept of ‘Ubuntu’ and egalitarian lifestyles can be learnt from these street dwellers. Hence, it is worthy of documenting these ways of life which can be considered as heritage
Anthropology of Streetism: Documenting: The Heritage Resources of Street Dwellers in Adabraka
(University of Ghana, 2020) Nsiah, S.
The phenomenon of working and living on the street is on the rise in most Third World Countries of which Ghana is no exception. There have been several investigations into the lives of street dwellers most of which have provided useful insights into understanding the causes, effects and remedies to this phenomenon. However, most of such works fail to identify and document the positive cultural constructions that can be learned or deduced from life in the streets. This research explored and drew insights from the day to day life of the street dwellers in Adabraka, and identified and documented some aspects of their ways of life that can be viewed as the heritage. Concluding on information gathered during my research through the use of an eclectic research methodology which included techniques of both ethnography and visual documentation, it was evident that street dwelling is not always bad as mostly perceived. There are some positive aspects of this way of life that can be learned by the ‘normal’ individual. The study, for instance, revealed that the attitude of determination and perseverance, the African concept of ‘Ubuntu’ and egalitarian lifestyles can be learnt from these street dwellers. Hence, it is worthy of documenting these ways of life which can be considered as heritage.
An Archaeological Investigation Conducted at Okai Koi Hill (Ayawaso) and Its Significance for Iron Age archaeology in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 1990-03) Bredwa-Mensah, Y.
Archaeology in Ghana has a long and respectable tradition especially in relation to other areas in the West African sub-region. Despite this encouraging situation, significant gaps still exist in our understanding of the History of some early societies in Ghana. The need to apply an archaeological research strategy holistic in approach as a means of reconstructing a general and broad history of ancient Ghanaian societies, to fill in the gaps, cannot be over-emphasised. It is in this vein that this research on the Ga of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was undertaken. The Ga,who occupy the western Accra Plains, founded early settlements some of which are in ruins, from the coast to a few kilometers inland. This research, focused on Ayawaso, the former capital of the Ga, which was referred to in early European written documents as Great Accra
An Archaeological Investigation of Gonja Dimbia, Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Margretta, M.; Boachie-Ansah, J.; Kankpeyeng, B.W.
This research describes and interprets the material culture of Gonja Dimbia, an abandoned settlement of the Gonja located at Sabule in the Kintampo South District of Ghana. Data from archaeological survey and oral traditions facilitated the understanding of the chronology of the settlement and the lifeways of its occupants over the different periods. The data also confirms aspects of human agency in the formation of the dark soils. The study has also examined elements of identity and socio-political complexity at Gonja Dimbia through the ceramic, faunal and flora assemblages in the presence and absence of certain species. The methods adopted for the study include reconnaissance survey, collection of oral traditions, the use of archival and documentary sources and excavation. Archaeological excavation has revealed two Iron Age occupations separated by a short period represented by a thin layer of soil devoid of archaeological finds. Radiocarbon dates indicate that the site’s inception dates to the 14 th century, at a time predating the arrival of the Gonja in the area. This indicates that before the arrival of the Gonja, there was a settlement at Gonja Dimbia. Excavated finds include pottery characterized by various and numerous vessel types which were probably used as cooking and storage vessels and possibly as lamps; pieces of iron slag suggesting the presence of iron workers at the site; an iron arrowhead, suggesting hunting and/or warfare; a carved ivory probably part of a bracelet and an iron bracelet, all indicative of body ornamentation. The similarity of the pottery in the two occupation periods or levels and the thin layer of soil separating the two occupations suggest that the site was abandoned and was re-occupied by people of similar ceramic tradition as the earliest settlers. The pottery has also affinities with pottery from Begho, Bonoso, Twemma, Kaam, Bono Manso, Amuowi I, Amuowi II, Ohene Ameyaw Anim, Daboya, New Buipe and Yendi Dabari. The 14 th century date for the inception of the site confirms the view expressed by other archaeologists that Silima (Design-Painted) Ware predates the arrival of the Gonja. The gap between the two occupations may indicate the period of Gonja invasion of the area. The faunal remains indicate that the site’s inhabitants subsisted on both wild and domestic animals and the grindstones suggest a diet of pulverized grains and vegetables. The remains of Achatina achatina, creatures tabooed by the Gonja suggest that Gonja Dimbia, like many other Gonja settlements, had non-Gonja residents who were probably ruled by the Gonja. The Achatina achatina shells are also indicative of contact between the Gonja Dimbia area and the forest regions of Ghana. The presence of horses, prestigious animals kept by chiefs and the rich and used in warfare and various ceremonies, is indicative of social stratification at Gonja Dimbia. The presence of cultural materials in the dark humus soil in the excavated units would seem to support the view that the dark humus soils in the Sabule area have a relationship with human activities and that they are anthropogenic in nature. Oral traditions are silent about when the Gonja abandoned Gonja Dimbia. The carbon dates obtained for the site were processed from samples collected far below the surface of the site. Dates from samples closer to the surface are therefore needed to throw light on the date of the site’s abandonment.
An archaeological Investigation of Larteh Amanfu (Amanfro)
(University of Ghana, 2021-09) Appiah, A.L.
The geographical area of Akuapem has witnessed a spate of historical, sociological and archaeological investigations in the past. However, there is a cloying silence on the discourse of archaeology in the Larteh area. Thus, the history of Larteh from an archaeological perspective is limited. This archaeological investigation was carried out at Larteh Amanfu, the ancient settlement quarter of present-day Larteh people, to throw more light on the history as well as past socio-economic and cultural lifeways of the people of Larteh. A synergic relationship was established among the archaeological data, ethno-historical account, ethnographic data, and documentary records. This provided holistic account of the lifeways of the inhabitants of the site. Additionally, the study sought to establish cultural affinities, chronology of the site, economic, political and socio-cultural transformations that had occurred at Larteh as a result of their interactions with other communities. Both the “Object-Centered Approach” and the “Object-Driven Approach” to studying material culture as espoused by Bernard L. Herman served as the theory that guided the interpretation of the finds. The study revealed that Larteh Amanfu was a multi-purpose settlement. That is, it served as both a market centre and the home of the ancestors of present-day Larteh people. Also, the study revealed that Amanfu was an organized society with structured leadership systems, and social stratification. This study highlights the subsistence strategies, religious worldview, medicinal practices, and body adornments of the occupants of the site. Furthermore, the study shed light on trade relations with the Dangme people of Krobo and Shai, as well as Larteh’s relationship with other neighboring Akuapem towns, Akyem and Akwamu. This study has revealed that the inhabitants of Larteh Amanfu obtained their food from both wild and domesticated species. The study revealed that Larteh’s interaction with other nearby towns had accounted for some changes in their political administration exemplified by Akan Chieftaincy institution at Larteh as opposed to the pre-existing Guan priestly leadership. Also, the celebration of the Odwira festival is a signifier of Larteh’s borrowing of Akan worldview, chieftaincy, and eschatology. Continuity was observed in the archaeological record. This is based on the fact that cultural materials, such as, potsherds, metals, bones, mollusc shells, and stone tools (nyame akuma and a quern) were recovered from all the three layers of the excavated trench. Similarly, most vessels forms, dominant decorative motifs, and surface treatment of the sherds (burnished, unburnished, and smudged sherds) were present in all the three layers of the excavated trench. I showed that continuity exists between the archaeological record and the ethnographic present. The continuous use of grinding stones and pottery in Larteh indicates no break with the past. Equally significant is the fact that the Larteh people still go to the forest groves at Amanfu to perform various rites during Odwira and Ohum festivals. They also farm at the Amanfu site as they had done.
An Archaeological Investigation of Selected Ewe-Danish Contact Sites at Keta, Volta Region, Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2017) Gokah, B.
This research presents the results of an archaeological investigation conducted at Keta. It teases out the migration and settlement history of the Anlo people. Information gathered from oral tradition, reconnaissance survey, ethnography and material remains from archaeological excavations have been used to reconstruct socio-economic and cultural lifeways of the people, to provide information on early subsistence economy and socio cultural interactions and relationships between the various sections of the settlement. It also identifies current socio-economic lifeways that can be attributed to Euro-Ewe contact. Material cultural studies have been the backbone of the research. Datable European material remains date the excavated sites from the 17th to the 20th century. The faunal remains excavated at Fort Prinzenstein (where the Europeans resided) and the Ghana Stores Bar (where Africans resided) as well as the locally manufactured pottery are similar, an indication that the residents of the fort as well as the native population depended on similar sources of protein and pottery. The European residents of the fort therefore adapted to local conditions. The Europeans also affected the lifestyle of the local people as the smoking pipes and glass beads found at the Ghana Stores Bar testify. Fishing and fish processing, salt production, trading, animal husbandry, crop farming, kente weaving and mat weaving and iron smithing were the main occupation of the people. Faunal remains from fish, shell fish and domestic animals recovered from excavations testify to their exploitation for food and their role in the subsistence economy. Similar finds including locally manufactured pottery, European smoking pipes, bones, mollusc shells and glass beads were excavated from three different sections of the site, making it difficult to identify the use of space and gender relationships on the basis of the archaeological finds. A large number of churches and schools have sprung up in the area due to the role played by missionaries. Intermarriages among traders and locals have resulted in a “mulatto” population in the Keta area. Evidence of trade and interaction between Europeans and Africans can be seen in the form of European imported items as smoking pipes, glass beads, drinking glasses, alcoholic beverage and poison bottles and other metal objects such as nails. The locally manufactured potteries found at Fort Prinzenstein also testify to interaction between Europeans and Africans. This research will kindle further research at the site. The materials excavated will serve as museum exhibit and will facilitate a comparative study of Danish interactions.
An Archaeology of African and German Interactions at Adaklu-Waya, Volta Region
(university of Ghana, 2018-07) Amedekey, B.
The nineteenth century saw the scramble for territories in Africa by European powers. Germany a front-runner in this agendum employed several means in asserting their ideologies on the colonized. The joint activity of missionaries, administrators and merchants ensured that the colonized adopted German ideologies. One of the main reasons for the colonization of territories was economical, however; missionization was used as an overture to change the world views of the colonized. This was done to make it easy for the implementation of their plans. The Germans in their attempt to colonize territories were met with opposition at some places (e.g. Kete Krachi) and welcomed by others (e.g. Adaklu-Waya and Amedzofe). Missionization was an important factor in the German colonization process. The subject of German colonialism and missionary activities has been studied extensively historically and now archaeologically. This study investigated the German (Bremen) and African interactions at Adaklu-Waya. The research elucidates the interactions between the German missionaries and the Adaklu-Waya community. Ethnographic and material data gathered were reconciled with the documented accounts. Also, the study reveals the elements that influenced the interaction between the period 1855 and 1914 when the Germans left the country. Both the emic and etic perspectives were considered to help understand what transpired between the locals and the missionaries. Oral and documentary accounts, as well as the archaeological data, proved beyond doubt that there was contact with Germans at Adaklu-Waya. There was contact with other European countries such as England, France, and the Czekoslovakia. Significant changes were experienced as a result of the contact with Germans, however, this contact did not lead to a complete change in the existing ways of life of the people.
Archaeology of Cross-Cultural Interactions at Amedeka, Akuse, Eastern Region, Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2016-07) Darko-Yeboah, B.
This study investigates the nature of interactions that existed at Amedeka and Akuse between Africans and Europeans. The objective of the study was to generate information on the legacy of multinational economic interactions at Amedeka and to derive additional archaeological data to facilitate reconstruction of past socio-economic and cultural life-ways in the area. It also sought to document factors which facilitated the growth of commercial network, identify the major local agents involved in trade and the reasons or factors that led to the collapse of commercial activity in the area in the early 20th century. The artefacts recovered helped establish a chronology of the site of Akuse-Amedeka. A multidisciplinary approach involving gathering of oral account, documentary and archival records, ethnographic and archaeological data were adopted in this study. The result revealed various levels of interactions (economic, social, political and cultural) between the local people and their European counterparts. The main reason for this interaction was the location of the research area which prevented Europeans from travelling up north to trade as a result of the presence of huge boulders of rocks in that part of the Volta River. This led to the establishment of multinational companies which attracted other local people from neighboring towns to the area, thus the multi-ethnic nature of the area. This research therefore gives an insight into an inland interaction at a 19th century port created at Amedeka leading to trade in various goods, including palm oil and cocoa which were exported in exchange for European materials. The study will therefore serve as a contribution to the study of inland trading activities and interactions in Ghana.
An Archaeology of Nkonya Wurupong and Its German Encounters, Volta Region, Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Owusu-Ansah, D.
This research revolved around the study of the precolonial and colonial cultural lifeways of the people of Nkonya Wurupong. This archaeological investigation was carried out to assess the impact of the 19th and 20th centuries cultural contacts and interactions among the Nkonya people and with other local groups of people (especially the Akan imperial forces) and the colonial authoritative force (Germans) in Nkonya Wurupong, Volta Region of Ghana. An eclectic approach was employed in this study in an attempt to understand and interpret the nature of these encounters and interactions among the various groups of people at Nkonya Wurupong. The eclectic approach included information gathered through a review of archival and documentary sources, ethnographic research, reconnaissance survey as well as archaeological excavations. The study revealed that the interactions between Nkonya Wurupong and the Akan imperial groups led to the usage of some Akan cultural traits in the Wurupong community. The study also revealed that the contacts between the indigenes of Wurupong and the German colonial administrators at Nkonya Wurupong brought about transformations in their education, healthcare services, religion and farming systems. The study has unearthed and provided insights into how the presence of the German colonials in Wurupong relegated the authority of the traditional set-up. The vestiges of the German colonial past in the area serve as shared heritage resources that buttress the presence of the Germans in the Wurupong community. Recommendations were also made on how best to develop the heritage resources of Nkonya Wurupong into tourist attractions.
An Archaeology of Obosomase, Eastern Region, Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Asare, S.L.
The Akwapem area has been the focus of several historical and archaeological investigations in the past but there has been no archaeological excavation at Obosomase to date, thus the cultural history of the town from an archeological perspective is unknown. The underlying theme that guided the conduct of this study was to reconstruct the lifeways of the past inhabitants of Obosomase using predominantly archaeologically sourced data. It was also to ascertain the existence or absence of continuity in the archeological record on the one hand and between the past and present-day inhabitants of Obosomase on the other. Datable archaeological materials clearly indicate that the excavated area of the site was occupied shortly after 1750 and continued to be occupied until the 20th century. A nexus was established amongst archeological data, oral accounts and ethnography in order to provide a comprehensive account of the lifeways of the past inhabitants of Obosomase. Material culture studies served as the theory guiding the interpretation of finds. The study of material culture from Obosomase has revealed that the community was not just a spiritual centre of the Akwapim state, a hub for fetish activity or a refuge for runaway slaves, but rather a multi-purpose settlement site. The research highlights the subsistence, religious and burial practices of the inhabitants and provides information on trade with external groups. The people of Obosomase sourced their foods from terrestrial, marine and fresh water sources; made a conscious effort to cure ailments in their homes; had trade links with the Krobo/ Shai area as well as with Europeans on the coast. A high degree of continuity was detected in the archeological record as evidenced by the fact that the popular vessel forms and the popular decorations were found in all the cultural layers of the excavated trench and test pit. Argument is made in this study for continuity between the archaeological record and the ethnographic present as evidenced by the continuous consumption of alcoholic beverages, and perpetuation of traditional medicinal and burial practices. Some level of discontinuity was observed in the use of clay pots as storage pots and as cooking vessels.
Archaeology of Prince's Town (Ghana)
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Nyarko, E.A.; Apoh, W.; Apaak, C.A.
This Archaeological research was undertaken at the town of Kpokeso now called Prince’s Town on the coast of Ghana, West Africa. Prince’s Town grew to fame in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as a trading post and a port of great importance in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Traders of many European nations including the Brandenburg, Holland, Denmark, France, Portugal and England once maintained permanent trading establishments on the Gold coast and traded with the Africans at Kpokeso as well as traders from other parts of the Gold Coast. These historical circumstances place Prince’s Town in a unique situation thus shedding light on the transformations and continuities experienced by an African society in the early period of extensive European trade contacts. This thesis discusses a research that is focused on understanding the nature of contacts and interactions that existed between Africans and Europeans at Prince’s Town during the Trans-Atlantic trading era. It also seeks to assess the contribution of the fort to the understanding of contacts and interactions between Africans and Europeans as well as gather data that inform on how the presence of the Brandenburg and other Europeans affected the people of Prince’s Town and their culture. The research seeks to establish a chronology for the site of Prince’s Town through the use of the artifacts from the excavation. The Archaeological research has demonstrated that materials from excavations combined with documentary evidence and oral histories provide insights into interactions between Africans and Europeans through trade contact. The research also indicates that there is no clear stratigraphic distribution between the Brandenburg period, the Dutch period and the English. This may be due to the choice of sites. The presence of European materials in African contexts provides insights into the African and European interaction. It has also revealed that the people of Prince’s Town are Nzima and not Ahanta and that the encounters with the Europeans did not largely influence their indigenous religion as the people go to church and still practise indigenous religion.
Ceramics As Product Of Technology And Art: A Case Study Of Archaeological Remains At Yikpabongo
(University of Ghana, 2013-06) Asamoah-Mensah, H.; Anquandah, J.; Apoh, W.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, School of Arts, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies
The focus of this archaeological research is in the area of ceramic technology and art. The aims of this study is to analyze the data on ceramic technology and art, establish ceramic typology base on technological and stylistic attributes and to determine the source of clay raw material of the excavated ceramics. To achieve these goals, the research approach adopted includes archaeological and chemical compositional analysis so as to provide answers to the unsolved concerns. The recovered materials from mound D included: human and animal remains, potsherds, stone objects, postholes, floor and a pot. The findings for this work indicated that mound D was a habitational/settlement mound. The radiocarbon date indicated that the excavated mound was between 5th and 7th centuries AD. The analysis of the potsherds revealed that large quantities of the potsherds were undecorated. The surface treatment techniques discovered were red-slipping, burnishing, dyeing and hand-smoothing of the vessels. Decorations on the potsherds consist of grooves, incisions, punctates, roulettes and channeling. Two types of vessel forms (jars/bowls) were discovered. X-ray fluorescence analysis was conducted on the excavated ceramics from Yikpabongo. These were compared to clay from Fumbisi. The result indicated that Fumbisi was the most likely source of the clay used to manufacture the excavated ceramics. The study indicated that ceramic technology and artistic decorations are the manifestation of the interaction or interrelation between societal goals, ideology and human capabilities on one hand and their environment on the other hand at every given time. This data adds to the existing body of knowledge about ceramics from Yikpabongo in the areas of technology of pottery production and decorative art.
The Christiansborg Keys In Akwamu State Regalia: A Material Culture Analysis
(University of Ghana, 2017-10) Ohene-Larbi, R.
Regalia are invaluable sources of information on the early history and social organization of ethnic groups in Ghana. They do not only show the majesty and wealth of chiefs but also are an indication of societal attitude throughout history. Regalia reflect the long history of groups and their relations with others. The study highlighted the settlement history of Akwamu, their relations with the Ga and Danes on the Accra coast in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the personality of Nana Asomani and the reasons for the seizure of Christiansborg, as well as the Christiansborg keys‟ status as Akwamu State regalia. The study portrays the meanings and significance of the incorporation of the Christiansborg keys as part of Akwamu kingdom‟s royal regalia. It elaborates the conservation, periodic display or exhibition, and the interpretation associated with the bunch of keys. The significance of the castle keys includes showing the prowess and authority of the Akwamuhene, as inspiration to the sub-chiefs and people of Akwamuman to work in the interest of the Akwamu state, as well as helping build stronger relations with the Danish society on their shared heritage for the purposes of education and socio-cultural development. The study also makes recommendations for enhancing the cultural value and public access to the Christiansborg keys.
Contributions of Bioarchaeology to Understanding the Past: A Study of Excavated Human Skeletons from Hani-Begho, Ghana.
(2019-07) Lamptey, P.
The complexity of the archaeological record and its interpretation require a holistic comprehension of its makeup from an objective point of view rather than from a single subjective perspective. The analyses of materials recovered from the archaeological record of most sites in Ghana often neglect the analysis of human skeletal finds. This development affects the holistic interpretation of those sites. In view of such gaps, this research sought to subject the skeletal remains from Hani-Begho, within the Tain District of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana, in the storage of the Museum of Archaeology, University of Ghana, to an in-depth bioarchaeological analysis. This was based on the idea that human skeletal remains have the potential to provide insights into the past. The research focused on the extent to which the bioarchaeological study of human remains from the Hani-Begho site can bolster understanding of the anthropology of death and archaeothanatological practices at the site. The study of the samples revealed eight individuals from Hani-Begho (five females and three males), which can be dated by reference to materials from the site to between the 11th and 15th centuries. Funeral treatments varied considerably in Hani-Begho’s social, cultural and religious parameters, for example Chromolaena odorata (Acheampong) leaves and schnapps were used to preserve dead bodies. The predominance of occlusal wear in molars and premolars could have resulted from masticatory behaviour. Additionally, evidence of ante-mortem teeth loss on the samples masked possible evidence of poor dental health. Also evident on some of the skeletons were blunt force trauma on skulls and the creation of artificial diastema and teeth filling within the community. The research forms the basis for sophisticated scientific analysis of human skeletal remains and the cataloguing and accessioning of these remains in the Museum of Archaeology.
An Ethnoarchaeological Study of Indigenous Architecture at Old Buipe, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Guddah, Z.D.
This thesis is an ethnoarchaeological investigation of indigenous buildings in Old Buipe, northern Ghana. It focuses on the types of buildings that are found in the contemporary settlement, the processes by which the buildings are constructed, used and abandoned, the layout of buildings and compounds in the settlement and how these relate to the environmental, historical, social and economic contexts of the local people. Using an eclectic approach that includes a study of information from archaeological, written and oral historical and ethnographic sources, the work attempts to show relationships that may be found between the built environment of the contemporary settlement and the archaeological record as revealed by various archaeological surveys in the study area. The results of the study suggest that most buildings in the settlement are characterized by rectilinear forms and are constructed of daub and mud-bricks, wood and thatch. While the daub and rectilinear buildings are similar to what has been found in the archaeological context and also reported by historians, mud-brick buildings constructions that are plastered with cement and roofed with aluminium/zinc sheets, nails and other non-traditional materials, reflect transformations that have occurred over the years with changing social and economic circumstances of the people. The results also suggest that the abandonment and collapse of buildings eventually result in the formation of what may be termed settlement mounds. The digging and use of clay from these mounds by the local people for building construction offer lessons for understanding archaeological site formation processes, as they cause distortions in the archaeological record.
Foreign Cinema And Popular Culture In Ghana, 1960 Circa 1980.
(University Of Ghana, 2022-04) Novieku, E.
A trend of popular culture evolved among Ghanaians from the 1960s to the 1980s. The watershed of this was foreign cinemas or films awash in Ghana. It became popular with the youth who served as agents of acculturated products, namely dressing, hairdo, slang, accents, and gaits or imitated walking skills harvested from the foreign films. This M.A. thesis examines the two decades of the efflorescence of unique popular culture in Ghana that influenced Ghanaian intangible heritage. Data for the thesis was based on primary and secondary sources. I made use of some research methods, namely structured interviews to garner specific questions for the objectives of the study. An open-ended interview questionnaire allowed respondents the latitude to add complimentary insights. Additionally, focused group discussions among adults who were between the ages of fifty-five and seventy years were employed. The relevance of the age-set group is that they had the privilege to witness foreign films as a conduit of popular culture in Ghana, and indeed, participated in the process and were impacted by the films whose end products were a composite heritage. Cinema and popular culture are centripetal to discussions of the tangible and intangible heritage of people living within a specific era. The tangible refers to cinema houses that are operating or those whose premises are being used for other purposes today. On the other hand, the intangible ones are in the realm of acculturation. The demise of foreign cinemas in the late 1980s appears to have brought to an end the ongoing acculturation emanating from foreign films. This is not to say that the cultural influences from foreign films atrophied. Rather they were perpetuated in streams of social change with some being retained while others took on new hues and glow. Thus, the main goal of this thesis is to historicize heritage from the watershed of foreign films, pointing to cultural trends such as fashion styles, hairdos, gaits, slang, accents, and so on. In sum, I show that from 1960 to 1980 foreign films were heavily patronized in Ghana because it was a medium for watching movable human action or scenes on screens. As a result, it eventually functioned as a venue of socialization and acculturation for the youths. Thus, the thesis discusses how foreign lifestyles of popular culture were acculturated into Ghanaian society through foreign films with Ghanaian youths as the agency.
Historical Archaeology of German Colonial Heritage at Ziavi, in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana.
(University Of Ghana, 2015-07) Dogbey, V.S.
This thesis was aimed at investigating the Archaeology of German colonial encounters with local agency at the Galenkuito site of Ziavi, in the Ho municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana. It garnered oral and documentary accounts to contribute to the knowledge of the migration and settlement histories of the early Ziavi indigenes prior to colonial times. The study used ethnographic research to document the contemporary life-ways of the people. These included chieftaincy and traditional authorities, subsistence, popular culture (festivals, music and dance), indigenous technologies, clan identities and functionalities, building technology and architecture, social organization as well as the cognitive structures and the religious identities of the people of Ziavi. Archaeological excavation was carried out at Galenkuito to unsheathe the remnants of the indigenous and colonial material representations of the people through time. Analysis and interpretation of the material remnants including ceramics, slag, metal objects, smoking pipes, building structures, flora and fauna provided insights into the nature of material culture varieties, agency and contacts among the occupants of the Galenkuito site at Ziavi. It is revealed that the emic world-view of Ziavi in respect of its indigenous culture is continued and maintained in spite of their interactions with the German colonial powers decades ago. While the occupation of the Germans have impacted on the town planning and road network of Ziavi, their extant material relics, many of which are in ruins, have possibilities of being restored and preserved for purposes of cultural resource management and development. The present reality of remembrance and de-remembrance of the 19th Century German- Ziavi interaction and its implication for the contemporary society of Ziavi is also discussed.
Identification and Documentation of the Cultural Heritage Resources of Kolon-Yiri, Upper West Region, Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2019-10) Manu, J.A.
This research examined the cultural heritage and settlement history of an ancient settlement called Kolon-Yiri in the Nadolwli-Kaleo District in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to identify and document the cultural resources of the people of Kolon-Yiri as a means of safeguarding their cultural heritage in the light of socio-cultural and economic transformations. It has also examined some aspects of their indigenous religious belief systems and practices, including their worldview. Drawing on information gathered from oral traditions, documentary records, ethnography and archaeology, the study provided adequate information regarding the settlement history of Kolon-Yiri, and how the indigenes interact with their cultural heritage resources. The study has also highlighted the archaeological and tourism potentials of Kolon-Yiri, and recommends a major archaeological project in the area particularly in the ancient Pizaga rockshelter. Finally, the study has provided a date for the settlement of Kolon-Yiri which places it within a temporal context in relation to other archaeological sites researched in the region. A multi-disciplinary approach, combining archaeological survey and ethnographic research techniques, aided the collection and analyses of data.
Inventorizing Selected Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Sites of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2021-12) Asare, K.
Ghana has many archaeological and cultural heritage sites. However, the country lacks a comprehensive inventory of these assets. This makes it impracticable to effectively manage Ghana’s archaeological and cultural heritage resources, and put the resources at risk of destruction. Archaeological, historic, and cultural heritage sites are, for example destroyed indiscriminately by large-scale earth-moving construction and other infrastructural development activities. This pilot digital heritage inventory project uses computer software programmes, such as ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel and Word to document, annotate, profile, graphically represent and develop an inventory of nine selected archaeological and cultural heritage sites in Ghana. The study also uses desk research (literature search and review), collection of oral narratives, site visits, photography to gather complementary research data. This work is expected to create awareness, enhance the conservation, safeguarding and overall management of the selected sites and other heritage sites in the country. It is recommended that this inventory compilation be continued and more sites should be added to this inventory.
Kpa Music as a Medium of Social Resistance among the La
(University of Ghana, 2019-10) Marley, J.N.
The lyrics of traditional music are an information source usually neglected in the study of cultures, yet, they hold an important part of oral history. This study examines the contexts and lyrics of a traditional music and dance form called Kpa shimo, which is performed by the people of La during their annual festival – Homowo. Kpa is the only type of music that is permitted during the festival in La. Some literary sources present the Homowo festival as a generic series of ceremonies among the Ga of Ghana. However, this is not the case, as there is diversity in how the festival is commemorated in the various Ga communities. Despite the attempts of some scholars to document and interpret the different elements of the festival, much attention has not been given to Kpa shimo tradition that is exclusive to the people of La and Teshi, a Ga speaking community which emerged out of La. Almost all existing literary sources that investigates Kpa shimo are based on a Teshi perspective. There is hence, no proper study of the tradition from the perspective of La people, who claim to be the originators. Drawing on information gathered from the La community, including data provided by community leaders and from literary sources, the study explores Kpa shimo, including the lyrics of selected kpa songs as a medium of social protest and resistance among the La and clarifies some generalizations about Homowo.

Browse

Browsing Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options