Processes of Change--A Longitudinal Ethno-Archaeological Study of a Ghanaian Village: Hani 1970–98
Most ethno-archaeological research involves the study of single communities over short time periods. As archaeology endeavors to appreciate the processes of change over extended periods of time it is important to obtain insights into the dynamics of past communities by studying comparable communities over periods long enough to delineate significant changes in site formation, uses of material culture and reactions to environmental, economic, and political stimuli. The study of the Ghanaian village of Hani, the successor community to the medieval town of Begho (ca. AD 1100–1800), is unique in that it provides a continuous study of a community over 28 years, during which time the village has been mapped on seven occasions, agricultural practices and collecting activities studied at different seasons, the changing material culture of the village recorded and the attitudes and reactions to environmental, economic, and political changes monitored through a continuous series of questionnaires. Conclusions are drawn as to the effect of these changes and archaeological implications evaluated.La plupart des études ethno-archéologiques sont basées sur des communautés uniques durant des périodes courtes. Etant donné que l'archéologie apprécie de plus en plus le processus de changement à long terme, c'est très important de connaître le fonctionnement des anciennes communautés en étudiants des communautés comparables durant des longues périodes pour pouvoir démarquer des changements pertinents; notamment dans le domaine de la formation des sites, l'utilisation de la culture matérielle, des réactions á l'environnement, et l'impact politique. L'étude du village ghanéen de Hani, successeur de l'ancienne ville médiévale de Begho (ca. AD 1100–1800) est unique parce que c'est le résultat d'une étude progressive de plus de 28 ans. Pendant cette période, la carte de la ville a été tracée sept fois, les activités d'agriculture et de collecte ont été étudiées pendant les saisons différents, et les changements de la culture matérielle ont été enregistrées. Les attitudes et réactions aux changements d'environnement, ainsi que les changements politiques et économiques, ont été documentés à l'aide d'une série continue des questionnaires. Des conclusions ont été tirées sur les effets de ces changements et les implications archéologiques sont évaluées.
In Ashanti and Beyond
MR. CARDINALL has written a pleasant, readable book, full of good spirits and tempered with good sense. The author has had many years experi ence in tropical Africa as a resident magistrate, and he writes mainly of his first journey and impressions. This method gives a clear picture of conditions which are changing rapidly, but the observations are necessarily superficial though accurate so far as they go. The book can scarcely be regarded as a contribution to anthropology, although many items of interest concerning native life, customs, and belief are mentioned, and this is to be regretted, as the author seems always to have been on excellent terms with the natives. Quite unexpected is the account of the snail industry; for the gathering, curing, and selling of snails for food by the forest peoples is so well organised as to be nothing less. The author states that no estimate has ever been made of their trade value, but that it must be ‘colossal’; a few years ago the local chiefs forbade snailcatching for three years, for fear of complete destruction of the stock. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is the description of the Great North Road from Kumasie which leads to “Timbucktu, the desert, and to the unknown mysteries of Africa.” On the whole, one learns that, in spite of flies, “the land of death” is a cheery place for a sojourn so long as there is just enough work to do.In Ashanti and Beyond.A. W.CardinallBy. Pp. 288 + 16 plates. (London: Seeley, Service and Co. Ltd., 1927) 21s. net.
Sudanese architecture and the Manding
Various types of West African mud building styles and methods (wet mud and brick) are described and traced historically. The author considers Islamic prosyletizers to be responsible for the diffusion of rectangular forms and mud masonry in areas where wet-mud methods and, therefore, curved forms, were the local tradition. -- AATA