Publications

Title: The Impact of Common Tree Categories on Archaeological Investigation in Nigeria: An Ethno-botanical Perspective on Sites in the Middle Belt Region
Author(s): Terngu S. Nomishan, Umar A. Babangida, Mary J. Abah, Dimas S. Gubam, Igbalumun Aarga
Year 2021
Publisher: International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR)
URI: https://publications.fulokoja.edu.ng/publication-page.php?i=the-impact-of-common-tree-categories-on-archaeological-investigation-in-nigeria-an-ethno-botanical-perspective-on-sites-in-the-middle-belt-region
File: PDF
Keywords: Impact Tree categories Archaeological investigation Middle Belt Region.

Trees are scientifically win breakers and sun absorbers which release oxygen into the atmosphere. The leaves of trees that fall on the ground add nutrients to the soil which in turn enhances the growth of both plants and animals. Trees serve both as food, medicine and raw materials for making of tools, weapons, furniture, and construction or building of local bridges and structures amongst others. Trees, both in the past and present have also been utilized for religious and commercial purposes in various societies, and this entails why once archaeologists identifies certain categories of trees on the site, such immediately motivate an interest in to the investigation of their significance to the cultural development of the people under study. Thus, this article presents an overview of the significance of common tree categories often identified on archaeological sites in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria. Major concern in this article is directed towards finding their botanical or scientific names, common names, local names and their significance to the cultural development of the host communities (both past and present). The overall aim of this research is to provide a reference material to students and other researchers in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, sociology, history, ethnography and geography amongst others, who are often, faced with the challenge of identifying appropriately; their names and significance, while on the field. Most of the data used is acquired from site and ethnographic surveys in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria.