Archaeology & Anthropology

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Gender, symbols and traditional peacebuilding among the Nanka-Igbo people of Southeastern Nigeria
(2007) Ukpokolo, C.
Women's class condition in modern Igboland (southeastern Nigeria) in particular and African society generally, which is characterized by her peripherialization in the scheme of state building and knowledge production, has led to the need for the re-examination of her cultural representation in specific cultural contexts in Africa prior to the major historical events (partition and colonization) in the continent, which led to pragmatic shift in local paradigms not just culturally, but also in the significance placed on the agencies of cultural transmission. This exercise has become imperative in order to make, if possible, an accurate (or near accurate?) representation of women in specific cultural situations. This article re-examines the perception that women have nothing to do with two key peace symbols - 'oji (kolanut) and 'ofo' (staff of authority and justice) - in Igbo culture as has been presented in the literature on lgbo culture. Using a case study typology, the study uses Nanka in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria as the study area. It identifies the place of the Earth goddess in 'oji and 'ofo' ritual performances and concludes that gender is mainstreamed in the usages of 'oji and 'ofo'.
Self identity and chieftaincy titles among the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria
(2009-10) Ukpokolo, C.
Academic freedom and dual career academic couples: the complexities of being a woman academic in the university space
(2010) Ukpokolo, C.
This study focuses on dual career women academics in a higher education (HE) institution in Nigeria. It explores the experiences of some of these women academics and exposes the internal dynamics that characterize intra-group interactions in the academe. It subsequently raises the issue of equitable participation of men and women academics in HE institutions in Africa. It attempts to understand how the constructed identities of dual career women academics intersect with their interactions in the university space, and impact on their career experiences. Paying attention to the marital institution also, this study explores how these women’s academic freedom can be undermined by the power play in this arena, bearing in mind their categorization. The study thus identifies the areas in which the autonomy and academic freedom of women academics in dual career marriages are possibly undermined. Ethnographic methods provided data for this study. The article concludes that the challenge of academic freedom demands more inward examination of the ‘micro politics within’ in order to incorporate the interests of all stakeholders within the intellectual community in the struggle for academic freedom and academic democracy in the continent of Africa.
Eat or you are eaten': prostitution as a metaphor in selected Ngugi's literary works
(Department of General Studies, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, 2010) Ukpokolo, C.
This paper examines the phenomenon of prostitution as treated in selected literary works of a renowned East African literary scholar, Ngugi wa Thiong’O. The paper identifies two perspectives from which Ngugi presents the phenomenon of prostitution: first as a product of exploitative socio-political and economic realities of post-colonial Kenyan society, and second, as a metaphoric representation of the nature of the relationship existing between African leaders (neocolonialists) and the people they lead on one hand, and on the other, the relationship between the African elite and the Western world. Ngugi then criticizes the development processes adopted by African leaders, which continue to tie them to the dictates of the West for solution to the continent’s development challenges. Ngugi merges art and ideology and advocates alternative political and economic ideology that promotes sustainable socio-cultural and economic wellbeing of the generality of the African people. The paper therefore concludes that African literary scholars have continued to raise issues that are of anthropological concern. The phenomenon of prostitution is a social problem that bothers on human behavior as it relates to human survival. But Ngugi goes beyond this level of discourse to provide alternative way of viewing prostitution with its underpinning on the meanings behind reflected human conduct.
Ezigbo Mmadu: an anthropological investigation into the concept of good person in Igbo worldview
(2010-10) Ukpokolo, C.
Gender discourse and anthropology: an overview
(Swift Print Limited, 2011) Ukpokolo, C.
Endogenous peace processes and the resolution of Afu-Afughi religio-cultural conflict in Nanka, Southeastern Nigeria
(2011-12) Ukpokolo, C.
This study looks at a communal conflict, termed 'afu- afughi ’religio-cultural conflict in Nanka, southeastern Nigeria, and the efforts made at resolving it, including the employment of endogenous peace processes. It is discovered that while the western-oriented peace approach achieved minimal results, endogenous peace processes were employed. The paper concludes that cultural meanings which the people could identify with are associated with the home-grown peace approach, and this ‘native understanding’ contributed to its acceptability, thereby affirming the continued relevance of endogenous peace model in contemporary Igbo society
Power of space, space of power: the sociocultural complexities in the institutionalization of "Ezeship" in non-Igbo states in Nigeria
(Sage, 2012) Ukpokolo, C.
This article looks at the social and cultural complexities that the institutionalization of “ezeship” in non-Igbo states in Nigeria generated and the home-diaspora intersections of power that underlay, contended with, and intersected the sociocultural formation and that eventually contributed to its dissolution. It also investigates the implications of the current scenario on the coordination of disparate Igbo migrant groups in non-Igbo states in Nigeria on one hand and the Igbo sociocultural development on the other. Empirical evidence was employed to generate data for this study. Methods include observation, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.
Bridging gaps, creating spaces: university of Ibadan female undergraduate students in inter-cultural encounter
(Goldline and Jacobs Publishers, New Jersey, 2012) Ukpokolo, C.
Gender, space and power in the indigenous Igbo socio-political life
(2012) Ukpokolo, C.
This paper examines the complexities of gender relations in the indigenous Igbo socio-political space, drawing from the kinship system, and the spatial context of intragroup interactions. With copious examples from Nanka Igbo society, the paper notes that the institutionalized mechanisms in the Igbo culture afford men and women the opportunity to access power as means of social negotiation and identity legitimation. Women’s agency and collective power are reflected in the various ways their participation engenders group integration and harmonious co-existence. The physical context of the polygynous household further demonstrates both the socio-cultural and structural relationships that engender men and women’s agency. The paper, thus, offers new perspectives on the indigenous Igbo socio-political world through its contribution to the critique of the thesis of women invisibility that dominated earlier studies on Igbo people. The paper concludes that collaboration and gender mutuality characterize gender relations in the indigenous Igbo society.
Exploring the tourism potentials of cistercian monastery, awhum, Southeastern Nigeria
(2013) Ukpokolo, C.; Okoye, O.
This paper is a product of a study on the tourism potentials of Awhum Monastery in Enugu State, south-eastern Nigeria. The paper presents a 'thick description ' (cf. Geertz, 1973) and interpretation of occurrences within the space and, employing life history technique, explores the meanings and significances which the site holds for the tourists. Other tourist attractions around (he centre and the nature of the pilgrims' interactions with these sites are also identified. The study discovers that Cistercian Monastery holds a great promise for religious tourism development. Both local and foreign tourists visit the monastery for the purpose of an encounter with the supernatural, an experience of inner transformation, thanksgiving and quest for solution to individual problems. Invariably, the Awhum Monastery-provides the context for Spirituality and Nature to intermingle: establishing divine encounter for the ultimate goal of spiritual reinvigoration for the religious tourists and refreshment for the eco-tourists.
Sexual harassment and the violation of academic freedom
(The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, Washington, D.C., 2013) Ukpokolo, C.
CONFLICT, WAR, DISPLACEMENT AND ARCHAEOLOGY IN PARTS OF OSUN STATE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
(2013-03) OGUNFOLAKAN, BENJAMIN ADISA
NAME: Benjamin Adisa OGUNFOLAKAN MATRIC. No.: 68943 TITLE: CONFLICT, WAR, DISPLACEMENT AND ARCHAEOLOGY IN PARTS OF OSUN STATE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA ABSTRACT Most archaeological works in southwestern Nigeria are concentrated in Ile-Ife, Esie, Old Oyo and Owo. In these areas, the focus of archaeological studies had been on different works of art in bronze, terracotta, wood and stone. Studies on cultural themes related to the issues of conflict, war and displacement which have implications for landscape archaeology of the area are often relegated to the background. The main goal of this research was to highlight how conflict, war and displacement impacted on the settlement history of parts of Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. The study also appraised human interactions with the environment and the concomitant effects on emergent settlement configurations. Oral and written data were collected from Ile-Ife, Ikire, Ipetumodu, Ila-Orangun, and Ajaba to generate anthropological data. Investigations aimed at identifying and collecting surface artifacts involved reconnaissance and detailed surveys of the studied sites. Excavations were carried out on potsherd pavements at Ajaba and Asi and on a refuse mound at Ajaba. Artifacts from surface collections and excavations were classified according to types, decoration and functional attributes. Analysis of Mo, Cu, Pb, and Ni of sherd samples was done using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Ten thin sections were made from selected sherd samples for determination of pottery fabric and inclusions. Palynological analysis of soil samples collected from different depths of the excavated mound was carried out using a microscope with an attached camera. Decorative motifs such as single twisted cord impression were common to all sites. With exception of sherds from Ila-Orangun, those from other areas were related in terms of types, fabric and functional attributes. Some of the sherds bore striking resemblance to those documented for Old Oyo and Ile-Ife with regard to type, decoration and function. Stylistically, the potsherd pavements at Asi and Ajaba were similar to those documented for Ile-Ife. A C-14 date of AD 1263 was obtained from charcoal at a depth of 80cm from the Ajaba mound excavation. Maize cob decoration was absent which indicated that Ajaba site was occupied prior to 16th century when maize was introduced into West Africa. Pollen of forest species and ornamental plants of Asian origin, such as Lagerstroemia indica, Casuarina equisetifolia and Delonix regia was identified from the excavated mound. These were abundant at the lower levels of the excavated mound. However, pollen of ornamental plants disappeared completely at the upper levels while secondary forest species and artifacts increased in abundance which was indicative of increase in human population and subsequent impact on vegetation. There was evidence of increased peopling of the area from around AD 1263. Oral and written records suggested that conflicts and war caused displacement and re-occupation of most of the settlements. Conflict and war resulted in the abandonment and reoccupation of all the sites, resulting in the delineation of several historical phases of occupation. Human impact on the environment was noted from the 13th century. Keywords: Conflict, War, Displacement, Archaeological data Word Count: 500
A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS DOCUMENTATION OF OYO-ILE AND BADAGRY HERITAGE SITES, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
(2013-07) OLUKOLE, TITILAYO OLUFUNKE
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has triggered a revolution in archaeological methods for collecting and keeping inventories of heritages sites and monuments. Specifically, GIS studies have in recent times produced models for site potential or archaeological resource sensitivity. However, in Nigeria, previous archaeological works have focused on excavations, settlement patterns, vegetation history and reconstruction of cultural history, ignoring the aspects of digital documentation of heritage sites, with deleterious implications for data access, preservation and planning. This study, therefore focused on the production of a GIS database of Oyo-Ile and Badagry, two important heritage sites in southwestern Nigeria, with a view to digitally preserving their respective cultural features for research, planning and development, and determining their tourism potential. The study adopted the GIS, a tool for collection and manipulation of spatially referenced data, as a model for documenting heritage sites and monuments. Fourteen sites, seven each from Oyo-Ile and Badagry – two heritage sites associated with the history of slave trade – were purposively sampled. Qualitative data were at the first instance collected through archaeological reconnaissance, oral tradition, and observation techniques. Spatial locations of cultural resources were thereafter obtained with the aid of topographical maps, aerial photographs, satellite images and handheld global positioning system (GPS). Data were analysed using spreadsheet, while cartographic representation of classified resources was developed with Arc View Software. The GIS mapping produced a digital database of all the classified resources with their spatial locations within the two heritage sites. The cultural resources of Oyo-Ile were identified and classified as rockshelters, ruins, artefacts and relics of human settlements while those of Badagry were artefacts, museums and monuments, and relics of human settlements. The resources at Badagry, unlike those of Oyo-Ile, were well preserved and packaged to serve tourism purposes. The settlement patterns of Badagry and Oyo-Ile were linear and disperse, respectively. These are indicative of the culture and political structure of each site. Findings at the two heritage sites, as supported by oral traditions are typical of ancient Yoruba settlements. However, the topography of Badagry was plain unlike that of Oyo-Ile being undulating and rocky. Also, the architecture of Badagry comprised burnt bricks while that of Oyo-Ile was mainly of mud. Badagry’s resources and architecture could be traced to its role as a slave port during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade while those of Oyo-Ile supports oral tradition that it was a well fortified empire. The Geographic Information Systems database of Oyo-Ile and Badagry Heritage sites which were classified as rockshelters, ruins, artefacts, museums and monuments and relics of human settlements, digitally preserves cultural resources of tourism significance within these sites while serving as pointers to history of the Yoruba. Thus, the database serves the purposes of documentation, preservation and research; it also provides data needed in the planning and management of the tourism resources of these sites.
CULTURAL PERCEPTION OF MALARIA AND CHOICE OF THERAPY AMONG THE IBIBIO OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
(2014-09) NSIKANABASI, UDOFIA WILSON
Interpretation and management of malaria in contemporary African societies are influenced by both western and indigenous perceptions of the disease. However, existing studies have focused on causes, prevalence and socio-environmental factors of malaria, using mainly Western paradigm, resulting in lack of conceptual balance in the literature. This study, therefore, examined etymology of the local terms for malaria and how they influence aetiology of malaria in Ibibioland, southern Nigeria. The thesis examined the cultural perception of malaria in comparison with bio-medical perception. This was done by determining how cultural interpretations of malaria and beliefs surrounding the disease influence management and therapeutic choices. The aim was to foster an integration of theory and practice in the management of malaria. The study adopted Clifford Geertz’s ethno-hermeneutics which theorizes interaction between local knowledge and construction of everyday realities. Data were obtained from four purposely selected local government areas (LGAs) out of 14 mainly occupied by the Ibibio, based on their strict Ibibio identity. Forty-three malaria cases; 10 orthodox, 15 traditional and 18 self-medication practices were observed. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted on purposively sampled 11 orthodox and 10 traditional healthcare providers. Sixteen focus group discussion (FGD) sessions each for men and women knowledgeable in local interpretations of malaria were held. Data were analysed descriptively. Etymologically, the Ibibio describe malaria based on symbolic and symptomatic presentations, while bio-medical science describes malaria as a vector-borne infectious disease. Four manifestations were identified among the Ibibio: colour, related to uto-enyin, nutrition, related to adan/akom, bio-physical actions and spiritually-induced body temperature, related to atuatuak/nkpo ntokeyen and spiritually-induced anaemia, related to uto-enyin ekpo. While KII, showed that the belief in multiple cau ces of malaria fever was widespread in both rural and urban centres, FGDs revealed that more than one of these manifestations could be presented in one malaria episode. Aetiologically, uto-enyin was believed to be caused by exposure to sunlight; adan/akom by excessive consumption of oil; atuatuak /nkpo ntokeyen by preter-natural forces such as eka abasi (unidentified forces), and essien emana (spiritual age grade/ reincarnated births), and uto-enyin ekpo by witchcraft forces. Against the bio-medical position which stresses clinical diagnosis and care, KIIs revealed that there were many local remedies for malaria, and therapeutic choice depended on perception of each malaria episode. Thus, when malaria was perceived as uto-enyin, remedies were focused on removing the yellow matter. If it was perceived as adan/akom, oily deposits had to be washed from the body through herbal baths, purging and enema, while as atuatuak, nkpo ntokeyen and uto-enyin ekpo, remedies involved spiritual cleansing and rituals to appease supernatural forces. The use of herbal extracts for treatment cut across the four LGAs but their herbal contents differed from context to context. Cultural practices against malaria were widespread across the rural-urban divide. The cultural perception of malaria with regard to etymology and aetiology, contrasts completely with Western perception of the disease. The Ibibio relate malaria aetiology to colour, nutrition, and preter-natural forces. These symbolic representations determine therapeutic choices in Ibibioland. It is recommended that, useful aspects of the cultural care system should be integrated into the implementation of the healthcare plan for effective malaria control.
Collective memory and oriki in the context of owu origin, Southwest Nigeria
(2014-12) Ukpokolo, C.
Self-representation and the construction of the igbo world among igbo students in a public university in Nigeria
(2015) Ukpokolo, C.
Construction of a distinctive cultural identity in a heterogeneous community entails employing cultural symbols to portray a group’s peculiarity. Within the university space in Nigeria, Igbo students re-enact the Igbo world through the employment of cultural symbols and ceremonials for the construction of an Igbo cultural identity. This study employs empirical evidence to explore how the Igbo world is re-enacted through ethnic identity construction within the territoriality of the university.1 By looking at how the local culture is translocalised in the university space, I explore the Igbo world in the context of this multi-ethnic, yet peculiar environment. The questions are: how do Igbo students in public universities in Nigeria (re)construct Igbo identity in the university space, using cultural forms, symbols, and ceremonials? In what forms do the conferred connect with the larger university community as a symbol of the “self” and the “collective,” reflecting group distinctiveness and contributing to the sustenance of the Igbo world in the university environment? This study has implications on the sustenance of Igbo cultural identity in a globalising world.
HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY AND HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF AKOKO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2015-07) KUTEYI, R. K.
Household economy involves the production and consumption at micro level of human organisation and is characterised by cultural forces that influence actions taken to prevent and/or cure illnesses in rural communities. Existing studies on household economy in rural communities of Nigeria have focused on production and consumption patterns, without paying considerable attention to how local economic system influences health-seeking behaviour. This study, therefore examines the cultural strategies employed in household economy and their implication for choice and utilisation of healthcare services in rural Akoko communities of Ondo State. The study adopted the political economy of health theory and exploratory design. The theory posits a relationship between economic structure and health care system. One rural community was randomly selected from each of the four local government areas populated by the Akoko, namely Akoko North-west, Akoko North-East, Akoko South-West, Akoko South-East. The sampled communities are Akunnu, Ese, Ikun and Ipe-Akoko respectively. Sixteen Focus Group Discussions were conducted with men and women in the sampled households. Key Informant Interviews were conducted with purposively selected 24 health care providers, and 68 economic groups. Unstructured Observation method is also adopted for data collection. Data were subjected to content analysis. The cultural strategies adopted in household economy in rural Akoko are “Abo” (a system of organising services/labour) and “Ajugba” (a system of exchanging economic goods). Both strategies are anchored in the concept of Moye (a kinship ideology emphasising welfare creation), which demands mutual economic assistance to one’s kinsmen. However, these are principles that make household economic activities more complex and tasking in rural Akoko. The strategies affect the choice and utilisation of healthcare services. Abo encourages the flow of labour but increases time and energy expended on economic activities. It therefore limits available time to seek quality orthodox healthcare, thus, making the people to rely more on traditional healthcare and home remedies. Ajugba, on the other hand, creates availability of goods more than attracting monetary rewards to finance healthcare, and makes the people to seek cheaper healthcare. Herbal concoctions are applied for injury and pains, while home remedies are applied for curing illnesses and for preventive measures. Rural Akoko people preferred traditional healthcare and home remedies which allow them have more time for economic activities. Orthodox healthcare providers indicate that rural Akoko people devoted more attention to work than healthcare and sought orthodox healthcare at advanced stages of illnesses, resulting in morbidity and mortality. The interface between cultural strategies and the utilisation of healthcare services in rural Akoko communities indicates their importance of healthcare intervention. The cultural strategies adopted in the rural Akoko communities economic system has strong influence in determining the choice and utilisation of healthcare resources. The interface between the local economy and health-seeking behaviour in rural communities therefore deserves sustainable attention for aiding health interventions policy formulation.
Reality TV shows and the shifting youth identity in Nigeria: maltina dance all as a case
(Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Nsuka, Nigeria, 2015-07) Ukpokolo, C.; Okocha, M.
This paper examines the shifting identity of youth as reflected in the role they and adults play in Maltina Dance All, a Nigerian reality TV programme. Besides the globalisation thesis, the paper pays attention to the roles the young people and their adult relatives play in Maltina Dunce All reality TV show, bringing out the meanings invoked in parents participation in the programme, and the implications of this on youth identity, and on the Nigeria social space. The study adopts Scheduler's performance theory as a framework to interpret the patterned behaviour of youth and adults in the show. Qualitative methods of in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation were used for data collection. Informants included 45 undergraduate students of University of Ibadan, Nigeria, who are regular viewers of Maltina Dance All, and 25 adults who are parents. Older adults were interviewed to discover their perception of adults' participation in the programme, and what it portends for youth identity and the socio-cultural change in Nigeria. Analysis of data involved descriptive and interpretive analyses. Participation in reality TV programmes offers the youth the opportunity to create hegemony of power and presence, establish their autonomy and circumvent the control of the adult. Capitalising on the periphery, through centring the youth culture, young people emerge as leaders while parents learn from their children the dance steps and the expectations of the panel of judges. This cultural reversal demonstrates the shifting identity of youth as occasioned by the influence of media-led globalisation and innovations in information technology on Nigeria’s sociocultural development.
Women: traditional
(Indiana University Press, Indiana, 2016) Ukpokolo, C.