History in Store: A Study of a Prototype Archaeology Site at Gbaagbum Village in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To bring to light a prototype archaeology site at Gbaagbum village in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Data for the study was gotten through primary and secondary sources. These includes oral interviews, observation and documentation from field work, and written / archival records respectively. Study Design: The study items were from Gbaagbum village and the research evaluation of the items found at the site revealed that the site was home to unknown occupants before the present settlers. Place and Duration of Study: Gbaagbum village in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology: There was physical observation of the culture materials found at the site and through oral interview sessions conducted further revelations were made. Results: Findings revealed that it was once an abandoned site for an unknown migrant community who occupied the area, but relocated before the present occupants. Furthermore, the study revealed a tunnel with complete and pieces of pots and a human jaw in the first chamber. There was a big open pot which serve as a lid to the second chamber. The paper suggests that a more comprehensive and professional archaeological / historical study be conducted at the site and within the Ityôshin area to unearth a history of the originators of the cultural materials that were accidentally discovered. The use of modern archaeological equipment, methods and principles can be greatly relied upon in this regard. To conclude a lot still needs to be done in archaeology especially in the remote areas like the Gbaagbum Village of Benue State, Nigeria.