An Archaeological Investigation of Gonja Dimbia, Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana

Abstract

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.