http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/231 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 19:49:40 GMT 2026-09-02T19:49:40Z http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9206 Archaeo-Palynological Evidence of the Exploitation of Elaeis Guineensis in Motako, Southern Nigeria, Africa. Luz, C. F. P; Daraojimba, K. C; Cordeiro, J.; Barros, M. A Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9206 2015-10-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9205 Methodological Protocols of Understanding Decomposed Mud Wall Residential Structures in Oyo-Ile (c. 1570-1837), Nigeria. Daraojimba, K. C; Ogundiran, A; Moyib, O; Adeara, E Until the early 20th century, most house structures in the wet-humid environment of West Africa’s woodland savanna and rainforest were built of unfired courses of puddled clayey-sandy soil (mud/cob) walls. These structures decompose quickly after abandonment and usually leave very few physical traces. Therefore they pose a perennial challenge to the archaeologists of this region, especially for recovering architectural features, mapping living spaces, and making inferences about social relations – the stuff of household archaeology. This article discusses the methodological protocols that we applied to study the deflated mud wall architectural features in a residential context in Oyo-Ile, the capital of the Oyo Empire (c. 1570–1836). Here, we present the results of a three-pronged approach that we used to under stand the post-abandonment deposition processes and domestic use of space in the residential structure. This approach consists of strati graphic excavations, sedimentological analysis, and palynological study. We evaluate the results of each approach, especially for understanding site formation processes in a domestic (mud wall architectural) context and for differentiating mud wall stumps from the living floor and the wall debris. The study shows the possibilities of delineating the different living spaces that were constitutive of a household context and highlights the promise of pursuing rigorous household archaeology in a region where such a research agenda has been almost absent. Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9205 2021-04-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9204 A Palynological Study of an Archaeological Deposit in Motako, South-Western Nigeria. Daraojimba, K. C; Oyelaran, P. A; Luz, C. F. P; Barros, M. A; Cordeiro, J Botanical and archaeological evidence of human interaction with the environment in Motako (Nigeria) is presented. Twelve soil samples retrieved from the stratified northern wall of an excavated refuse mound were subjected to pollen analysis. 12 out of 28 pollen types identified belong to plants that may have been used for medicinal, food and ritualistic purposes. The high percentage of charcoal in the earliest level dating to the last 60 years and the subsequent increase of Elaeis guineensis indicates the occurrence of rudimentary burning techniques related to clearing land for farming, hence causing opening of the vegetation (Amaranthaceae). This forest clearance created conditions favourable for the oil palm to blossom. Mon, 01 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9204 2015-06-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9203 Archaeology Education in Igbo-Ukwu, South-East Nigeria. Daraojimba, K. C An outcry for the inclusion of archaeology into school teaching curriculum has been on for over six decades. Yet, Nigeria is one of such countries in West Africa that have experienced a slow growth in archaeology education at both tertiary and pre-tertiary schools. In a bid to addressing this issue, a public awareness and community archaeology project was conceived in Igbo-Ukwu to create awareness on the relevance of archaeology in preserving cultural heritage and enhance skill acquisition. 93 secondary school pupils and 12 community residents in Igbo-Ukwu participated in classroom educational seminar and archaeological field training, respectively. The participants were exposed to learning soft and hard skills. Results from the assessment of the participants showed that at a time when Nigeria and many countries in Africa are troubled with loss of traditional histories and oral traditions, archaeology education is a vital tool for addressing the problem. Sat, 01 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://repository.unn.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9203 2021-05-01T00:00:00Z