Ethical Issues in Conflict and landscape Archaeology in Nigeria

This paper discusses the effects of wars and conflicts on cultural and natural landscapes and the need for the documentation of archaeological sites in parts of Southwestern Nigeria. It focuses on issues of site definition, recovery, patrimony and characterisation of a multi-period and artifact rich, vast landscscape.

An overview of space utilisation arising from socio-political conflicts of the Yoruba civil wars of the late 18th to late 19th centuries is assessed. A predictive model that can be used for investigating similar, ancient, periphera villages especially those located in a forest environment is proposed. It is expected that the study will open a new debate on the archaeology of war as it affects the socio political life of the Yoruba up to the beginning of the 20th century. Ultimately, the study will not only contribute to heritage management in Africa but also help in identifying long standing relationships thereby creating room for reduction of tension in human relationships while at the same time ensuring adequate protection of cultural materials even in
times of conflicts.