POLAC HISTORICAL REVIEW (PHR) Vol. 4 No 1 January – June 2020 Pages 104 - 114 ISSN: 2476 - 8049 Website: www.npaw-jhss.com.ng Anthropology and Archaeology of War and Ruins: A case Study of Northern Yorubaland, Nigeria, in the 1800s Fr. Paul-Kolade Tubi, Ph.D Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria. (
[email protected]) +234(0)8050634433 Abstract This paper is a study of the people of Northern Yorubaland, Nigeria their culture and settlement patterns which have been shaped by the Fulani led wars of 1800s. The study aims to examine the ruins of war and the history of the series of wars that occurred in Northern Yorubaland from 1836-1897. Data show that these wars were the most destructive in the annals of the Yoruba people. Whole cities and communities were sacked and burnt, ancient settlements disappeared and their ruins became sites for Games Reserves or archaeological studies, people were enslaved enmass, new settlement emerged, and those who survived were subjected to starvation and death. Methodologically, the study involves archaeological investigations, collection of data, analysis of data and anthropological interpretations. Archaeological data from the field indicate extensive ruins and the anthropological data show far reaching consequences that are still visible today amongst the people. The paper highlights theeffects of the wars on the people of Northern Yorubaland and the entire Yoruba nation in general. The paper concludes that the study is germane to intergroup relations. Key words: Archaeology, Anthropology, Northern Yorubaland, War, Inter- group relations. Introduction This paper is the result of an on-going anthropological and archaeological research in the northern part of Yorubaland, Nigeria.