A triangular-headed iron projectile point (SF 08-112a) exposed insitu in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The point's long tang (left) is bent in a way that made it unusable. The soil around the point has been moistened by excavators to facilitate excavation. The point was found in the vicinity of burned features and anvil stones. Photo scale in cm. View looking south. Site Ngre Kataa. 7 July 2008.
A triangular-headed iron projectile point (SF 08-112a) with barbs at the head's base (left) and a long tang (right). The tang is bent, making it unusable. To make an arrow (snini in Nafaanra), the long tang would be inserted into a straight shaft made of bamboo, reed or lightweight wood. The point was exposed insitu in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. It was found in the vicinity of burned features and anvil stones. The point shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Length: 9.8 cm. Weight: 10.2 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 7 July 2008.
An arc of orange-red burned features has been exposed in excavation units 46N 8W and 48N 8W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. To the left (west), the body and base of a large pottery bowl (NK 08-522) has been pedestaled insitu. A number of iron bangles surrounded this bowl (cluster A) as part of a large shrine cluster that extended into adjacent units (where the trunk of a small tree is visible, upper left). The base of this cluster was about 20-30 cm above the burned basins exposed in this photo. Center photo, flanked by photo scales, the round rim of a pottery jar is visible in outline. To the right (east) of the burned features, two hammerstones rest insitu next to one another. To the north of the burned features (forward right of the sign board), a zone of white plaster-like sediment is visible. Far right, archaeologist Abass Iddrisu uses a trowel to expose the contours of burned sediment in an adjacent excavation unit. Red and white scale is two meters in length. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 17 July 2008.
A large grinding stone (GS 08-04) rests insitu along the south edge of unit 48N 4W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The stone's visible surface is concave in profile, a result of use. The surface that is oriented face down exhibited greater wear from grinding. The white marks on the stone's upper surface were created by excavators' tools as they dug. A piece of copper alloy rod (greenish in color, SF 08-53) is visible insitu in soil below the center of the grindstone. Root fragments are seen in the surrounding soil. Photo scale in cm. View looking south. Site Ngre Kataa. 1 July 2008.
A small piece of slag (top) and a copper alloy ( brass) rod fragment (bottom, SF 08-053). The greenish hue of the rod is a product of weathering. These artifacts were found next to one another in unit 48N 4W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. They were found adjacent to and below a large grinding stone (GS 08-04). Site Ngre Kataa. 1 July 2008.
Looking eastward over excavation unit 48N 10W toward unit 48N 8W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop, a series of anvil/grinding stones have been left in place and a burned feature exposed. Foreground, right, a large anvil stone (GS 09-33) rests atop another stone (GS 09-34). To the right (south), the circular rim of an everted-rim jar has been left in place. To the left (north) is a zone of darker ashy soil flecked with charcoal. Center photo is an anvil stone (GS 09-32), against which a partial elephant tusk--now removed--was found resting. Behind this stone is a tree root and base of a tree stump. The area from this stone (GS 09-32) and extending beyond the stump had been covered with artifacts (clusters B-D, now removed) that archaeologists interpret as a large shrine feature. Some of these artifacts were superimposed directly over the amorphous orange-red burned feature (center photo), which was likely created by high heat associated with forging metals. Other smaller stones have been left in place across the unit. Photo scales marked in 5 cm increments, arrows pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 4 July 2009.
An iron bangle (SF 08-184) made by coiling a flattened iron rod, its ends rounded and overlapping. The bangle was found in association with a concentration of artifacts, including pottery, other iron bangles, a dog skull and jaw bones (cluster B), that archaeologists interpret as part of a larger shrine feature (clusters A-D). This feature capped stratigraphic layers in a metallurgical workshop (mound 6). The bangle shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Width: 6.9 cm. Weight: 39.2 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 15 July 2008.
An arc of orange-red burned features has been exposed in excavation units 46N 8W and 48N 8W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. To the left (west), the body and base of a large pottery bowl (NK 08-522) has been pedestaled insitu. A number of iron bangles surrounded this bowl (cluster A) as part of a large shrine cluster (A-D) that extended into adjacent units (where the trunk of a small tree is visible, above left of the sign board). The base of this cluster was about 20-30 cm above the burned basins exposed in this photo. The everted rim of a pottery jar visible in the north wall of the excavation unit (top left) was part of an adjacent cluster (B) that also included iron bangles (SF 08-183 & 184). Center photo, flanked by a photo scale, the round rim of a pottery jar is visible in outline. To the right (east) of the burned features, two hammerstones rest insitu next to one another. To the north of the burned features (forward right of the sign board), a zone of white plaster-like sediment is visible. Red and white scale is two meters in length. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 17 July 2008.
View looking northward of early stage excavations at mound 6, Ngre Kataa, an area that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Center view is of units 42-48N 4W. In foreground, excavations in units 42N 4W and 44N 4W ave exposed clusters of pottery, a grinding stones, tuyeres and an area of burned soil associated with metal working. Foreground, bottom right, are a partial pottery jar (NK 08-520) and to its right (east) a small flat grinding stone (GS 08-12; ). To the left (west), framed by photo scales, is a burned feature. Next to it sits a hand-held hammerstone (GS 08-11). Above (to the north), a cluster of pottery and a partial tuyere (NK 08-284) are visible along the boundary between excavation units (marked by stakes). To the right of that cluster (east), a grinding stone (GS 08-10) has been pedestaled where it was found, resting with its working surface face down. A whole pottery vessel sit at a slightly lower level (NK 08-406) a short distance away (south east). Top center of the photo, at the far end of the excavated area, a cluster of anvil stones is visible (GS 08-05 to 08) in excavation unit 46N 4W. Excavations in the adjacent unit (46N 2W) in 2009 revealed a perforated shrine pot resting at a slightly lower level next to these stones. Photo scale adjacent to burned feature marked in 5 cm intervals. View looking north. Site Ngre Kataa. 5 July 2008.
A small round stone (GS 08-11) rests insitu next to an irregularly shaped area of burned fire-hardened sediment in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The stone has wear consistent with use as a hammerstone. The burned sediment was next to a circular area of soil that showed signs of oxidation through exposure to high heat. A small piece of copper alloy metal lies at the edge of the fire-hardened sediment, to the right (west) of the hammerstone. The feature is likely associated with forging activities. The narrow dark lines in the soil are traces of animal burrowing activity. Photo scale by sign board in cm increments. View from above, arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 7 July 2008.
Excavations on the south edge of unit 44N 4W have exposed a cluster of insitu pottery and a tuyere fragment in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Foreground, broken pieces of a pottery jar lie with their exterior surfaces facing down. Behind them and left rests a tuyere fragment (NK 08-284), its circular cross-section visible in front of the sign board. To the right (west) of this cluster is an area of dark reddened soil, one of many examples of burned soil in this area where metals were worked. This diffuse area of reddened soil extended underneath the sherd cluster, center photo. To the right, embedded in the balk behind the north arrow (to its south), the tip of a partial iron point (SF 08-159) is visible (right of the circular patch of dark soil). Photo scale in front marked in cm. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 July 2008.
An iron"bangle" (SF 09-173) made from a flattened iron rod with rounded ends. The bangle is open on one side (1/2 circle). The bangle was found as part of a carefully laid set of objects that included an iron disc (SF 09-172) and iron spike (SF 09-174) among other artifacts (cluster B). Archaeologists interpret this context as part of a larger shrine feature (clusters A-D) in a metallurgical workshop. The bangle shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Width: 5 cm. Weight: 10 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
A tri-looped iron bangle (SF 09-218) made from a continuous round iron rod. A detail of the triple loop is shown, right. The bangle ends are thickened and held together by a wire clasp. The bangle was found beneath a cluster (cluster C) of pottery, which archaeologists interpret as part of a larger shrine feature (clusters A-D) in a metallurgical workshop. It rested in soil about 10 cm below a pedestal-handled pottery lid (NK 09-381) that was part of cluster C. The bangle shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Width: 10.8 cm. Weight: 26.3 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 16 June 2009.
An arc of orange-red burned features is being revealed by excavations in units 46N 8W and 48N 8W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. To the left (west), the body and base of a large pottery bowl (NK 08-522) has been pedestaled insitu. A number of iron bangles surrounded this bowl (cluster A) as part of a large shrine cluster that extended into adjacent units (where the everted jar rim is visible in the north wall, upper left). The base of this cluster was about 20-30 cm above the burned basins exposed in this photo. To the north of the burned features (forward right of the sign board), a zone of white plaster-like sediment is visible. Far right, archaeologist Abass Iddrisu uses a trowel to expose the contours of burned sediment in an adjacent excavation unit. Red and white scale is two meters in length. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 16 July 2008.
A boulder used an an anvil stone (GS 09-03) sits insitu, center photo, in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. The surface facing the camera is worn flat and smooth from use. Its upper surface shows depressions created by use. Behind this boulder is a flat grinding stone (GS 09-04) with a very worn upper surface. Another boulder (GS 09-02) is visible left (north). Behind it the pedestal base of a pot is visible along the adjacent unit's southern edge. The moistened soil in front of the sign board marked by two orange pin flags marks the find spot of an iron point (SF 09-033). Photo scale along unit edge measures two meters. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 30 May 2009.
A vertical bank of orange-colored fire-hardened soil abuts a cluster of stones in what archaeologists interpret as a forge feature in a metallurgical workshop. The furnace feature occupied the northwest corner of the excavation unit. In the southern haf of the 2x2 m unit were large boulders used as anvil/grinding stones (GS 09-01 and 09-02). A tree root is visible along the base of the unit's western wall (left). Photo scale by burned feature marked in cm. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 1 June 2009.
A group of insitu artifacts interpreted by archaeologists as a shrine cluster, located in a metallurgical workshop (mound 6). The cluster included a partial everted-jar rim (center), in front of which (north) was a carefully placed group of iron objects, including a flattened iron disc (SF 09-172) standing on edge, a long spike (SF 09-174) positioned horizontally, on top of which rested a half bangle (SF 09-173). To the right (west) of the jar rim is another iron bangle (SF 90-170). These objects are surrounded by broken pieces of pottery. This cluster (B, 8-10) was part of a larger grouping of objects (clusters A-D) that archaeologists interpret as a shrine feature that capped a metallurgical workshop. View looking south. Photo scale marked in 5 cm increments. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
A group of insitu artifacts interpreted by archaeologists as a shrine cluster, located in a metallurgical workshop (mound 6). The cluster included a partial everted-jar rim (upper right), in front of which (north) was a carefully placed group of iron objects, including a flattened iron disc (SF 09-172) standing on edge, a long spike (SF 09-174) positioned horizontally, on top of which rested a half bangle (SF 09-173). To the right (west) of the jar rim is another iron bangle (SF 90-170). To the right of this, surrounded by moistened soil, the edge of a large grinding stone (GS 09-32) is visible. Surrounding these objects are broken pieces of pottery. This cluster (B, 8-10) was part of a larger grouping of objects (clusters A-D) that archaeologists interpret as a shrine feature that capped a metallurgical workshop. Arrow pointing north, view from above. Photo scale marked in 5 cm increments. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
A slightly curved iron disc (SF 09-172). It was found positioned upright among a carefully placed set of objects in what archaeologists interpret as a shrine feature in a metallurgical workshop. A large iron spike (SF 09-174) and an iron bangle (SF 09-173) sat next to it. The disc shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Its function is unknown, though it may be a tool preform. The disc shows signs of corrosion by rusting. Scale in cm. Width: 10.7 cm. Weight: 89.8 g. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
A photo scale has been placed next to a partial elephant ivory tusk, which rests insitu against an anvil stone (GS 09-32) in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Several smaller stones surround the cluster. This group of objects was found adjacent to and at approximately the same depth as a series of other artifact clusters (A-D) that archaeologists interpret as a large shrine feature which capped stratified deposits associated with metalworking activities. The tusk was friable and poorly preserved, but had visible Schreger Lines diagnostic of elephant ivory. Photo scale marked in 5 cm increments. North is top of photo. Site Ngre Kataa. 10 June 2009.
A view in cross-section of a friable ivory tusk found in association with an anvil stone (GS 09-32) in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. A semicircular portion of the tusk can be seen encased in dirt. Though poorly preserved, Schreger Lines diagnostic of elephant ivory were observed in the specimen. Scale in cm. Site Ngre Kataa. 11 June 2009.
An area of orange-red burned features has been exposed in excavation units 46N 8W and 48N 8W in an area (mound 6) that archaeologists interpret as a metallurgical workshop. Left, back (west), the body and base of a large pottery bowl (NK 08-522) has been pedestaled insitu. A number of iron bangles surrounded this bowl (cluster A) as part of a large shrine cluster (A-D) that extended into adjacent units. The everted jar rim visible in the north wall of the excavation (upper right) was part of this wider set (cluster B). The base of these clusters was about 20-30 cm above the burned basins exposed in this photo, which were likely associated with metal forging. Center photo, flanked by a photo scale, the round rim of a pottery jar is visible in outline. To the north of the burned features (right, foreground), a zone of white plaster-like sediment is visible. Red and white scale is two meters in length. Arrow pointing north. Site Ngre Kataa. 17 July 2008.
Archaeologist Ben Nutor uses a trowel to scrape soil from around a cluster of objects that archaeologists interpret as a shrine feature (cluster A) in a metallurgical workshop (mound 6). An orange flag marks the location of an iron bangle (SF 08-140), the first of four that were found surrounding the large pottery bowl (NK 08-522) seen partially exposed in front of Nutor. An iron headpan used to carry dirt for screening sits nearby. Site Ngre Kataa. 9 July 2008.
Devin Tepleski, University of Victoria undergraduate student in visual anthropology, plays back film footage on a video camera to children from Bui Village. The children carry headpans as they make their way to the river to fetch water. Acting on a request by Bui people, Tepleski visited Bui as part of the Banda Research Project to video-document the village and its people prior to their mandatory relocation due to the Bui Hydroelectric Dam project. His short film "Mango Driftwood" was posted on YouTube on 20 November, 2010 at the link below. Bui Village, May, 2009.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Relation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubmaq_oxwfQ
Location(s) Facet:
Bui
Subjects:
Headpans; Mango Driftwood; Team photo; Bui; Fetching water; Children's work
Gathered around a table in the Banda Cultural Centre's exhibit hall during a workshop to gauge student interest in learning from heritage resources, University of Ghana Education PhD student Esther Attiogbe talks with a group of Junior High School girls about how women in the area made pottery from locally available clays. The photos of local pottery-making laid out on the table are ones included in the Banda Through Time repository. On shelves behind them are examples of pottery excavated from archaeological sites around the area. Banda Cultural Centre, Ahenkro, 25 June, 2019.
A group of Junior High School boys gather in front of posters on local archaeology in the courtyard of the Banda Cultural Centre as part of a week-long workshop exploring the potential of heritage resources to enrich school learning. Samuel Acquah of the Ghana National Museum's Education Division leads the boys in a conversation what archaeology reveals about local life during the 13th through 15th centuries. Banda Cultural Centre, Ahenkro, 26 June, 2019.
Gathered around a table in the Banda Cultural Centre's exhibit hall during a workshop to gauge interest in using local heritage resources to support classroom learning, several Banda area Junior High School teachers look at images included in the Banda Through Time digital repository. On shelves behind them are examples of pottery excavated from archaeological sites around the area. Banda Cultural Centre, Ahenkro, 26 June, 2019.
Banda Queen Mother Lelԑԑ Akosua Kepefu (blue head scarf) arrives at the Banda Cultural Centre together with members of the royal family on the day of a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Men associated with the Kralɔngɔ Royal Palace perform a Nafana version of Kete during a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Several men play flutes and brass rattles that oral histories say were captured from Kulango people. They are accompanied by men playing drums and (left) an iron gong. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Nafana women play calabash rattles as they sing songs associated with customary puberty and marriage celebrations at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Two women from Ahenkro are joined (left) by District Chief Executive Mary Komeh (white blouse). Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
A Nafana hunter from Fawoman performs a hunter's dance at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Crouched in front of a pot that was smashed in an earlier dance, he clenches a bundle of leaves in his teeth as he assumes an animal's posture. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Nafana men from Fawoman perform a hunter's dance at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Crouched on the ground, the men enact the process of tracking an animal as women sing and men drum in the background. The man in the front holds a gun. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Nafana potters from Dorbour sit behind a display of their wares during a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Arrayed in front of them are pottery jars of varying size and a single small bowl. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Banda area chiefs and elders sit under a tree and community members under canopies at the start of a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. To the right, potters from Dorbour display their wares in front of where they sit. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Drummers play an atumpan and a fɔntɔmfrɔm drum as part of the opening procession for a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Rights:
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
Publisher:
University of Victoria Libraries
Location(s) Facet:
Ahenkro
Subjects:
Banda Cultural Centre; Atumpan drums; Fɔntɔmfrɔm drums
Subjects Facet:
Heritage; Community event; Drums (musical instrument)
Two Ligbi masquerade dancers from Bongase perform at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. One (left) wears a mask known in Ligbi as Gbanyamuso (beautiful Gonja woman), his body draped in a floral cloth. The other wears a baboon mask (mbong in Ligbi), his body draped in black and his head in a shimmering silver cloth. He carries a whisk in his right hand. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
A Ligbi masquerade dancer from Bongase performs at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. He wears a mask known as Gbanyamuso in Ligbi (beautiful Gonja woman), his body draped in a floral cloth. A young man follows close behind, fanning the dancer as he performs. An elder Libgi woman and a young man beat square drums as they follow behind the dancer. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
During a performance of songs and dances associated with puberty (Manaa Ndiom) and marriage (Bijam) celebrations as practiced in Boase, elder Afua Gyakari holds a microphone as she sings surrounded by other elders, including Boase chief Tolԑԑ Ligbi Wulotei (wearing a black-and-gold cap). Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
An elder Ligbi woman and a young man play drums with their hands during a masquerade dance performed at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Seated in the background to the right are Nafana potters from Dorbour with an array of their wares. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Nafana potters from Dorbour demonstrate their potting practices during a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Two women (Mary Yakosua, left) are in the process of forming the upper bodies of jars using clay that they brought from Dorbour. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Three of Ahenkro' s Nafana storytellers share stories at a Banda Heritage Event held at the Banda Cultural Centre. A film of the storytellers sharing tales can be accessed through the "iaff_works" link below. L-R, Idisa Yaya, Akosua Mattah, and Alhasa Watara. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
A Ligbi masquerade dancer from Bongase performs at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. He wears a carved wooden baboon mask (mbong in Ligbi). His body is draped in black and his head in shimmering silver cloth. Attendants fan him as he dances. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Junior High School students pose for a picture with their teacher and members of the Banda Heritage Initiative after participating in a consultation on a draft heritage learning resource ("Learning From Our Past. Banda District, Ghana"). Allison Balabuch (left), a University of Victoria PhD student in Curriculum and Instruction, drafted the resource. The girls hold weaving projects that they worked on during the consultation. The girls' teacher and Banda Heritage Initiative members Patrick Mensah (black cap) and Enoch Mensah (far right) stand with the girls. Model School, Ahenkro, 25 July, 2022.
Women from Boase sit together under a canopy at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. Young women dressed in attire associated with marriage (Bijam) and puberty (Manaa Ndiom) celebrations are seated in the center. To the left are three large calabashes filled with water on which the women will float smaller calabash bowls. These are used as drums to accompany songs sung during marriage and puberty celebrations. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
Heritage; Community event; Drums (musical instrument); Rites and ceremonies; Nafana (African people); Gourd, Calabash; Puberty rites; Marriage customs and rites
Two Junior High School students try their hand at weaving on a simple stick loom as part of a consultation on a draft heritage learning resource ("Learning From Our Past. Banda District, Ghana"), which lays on the desk in front of them. The booklet is open to pages that describe how local people in the past wove textiles on strip looms. Teacher Jerry Tsito looks on as they weave. Model School, Ahenkro, 25 July, 2022.
Two Junior High School students try their hand at weaving on a simple stick loom as part of a consultation on a draft heritage learning resource ("Learning From Our Past. Banda District, Ghana"), which lays on the desk in front of them. The booklet is open to pages that describe how local people in the past wove textiles on strip looms. Model School, Ahenkro, 25 July, 2022.
A group of students at the Calvary Methodist Junior High School in Banda-Ahenkro consult a draft heritage learning resource ("Learning From Our Past, Banda District, Ghana") as they try their hand at weaving on simple stick looms. Teacher Jerry Tsito (blue shirt) coordinated classroom visits to gauge student interest in learning from heritage resources. Ahenkro, 27 July, 2022.
University of Victoria PhD student in Curriculum and Instruction Allison Balabuch helps two Junior High School students at the Model School who are learning to weave on simple stick looms as part of a consultation on a draft heritage learning resource ("Learning From Our Past, Banda District, Ghana"). Ahenkro, 25 July, 2022.
Kuulo women from Dompofie sing songs associated with Kuulo marriage celebrations at a heritage celebration organized by the Banda Heritage Initiative. They wear local strip-woven wraps as skirts and hold microphones as they sing. Ahenkro, 28 June, 2019.
A group of Junior High School students who participated in a consultation on a draft heritage learning resource ("Learning From Our Past, Banda District, Ghana") display weaving projects that they worked on as part of a hands-on learning project. Ahenkro, 29 July, 2022.