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SALVAGE ARCHAEOLOGY AT THE FORT

KONGENSTEN SITE OF

BY

VICTORIA A. ARYEE

(10253172)

THIS THESIS IS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY

AND HERITAGE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MPHIL

ARCHAEOLOGY DEGREE

MARCH 2015 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this work is the result of my own research work carried out in the

Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, under the supervision of Dr Wazi Apoh. All references used in the work have been fully acknowledged. Any shortfalls therein are my sole responsibility. This work has not been presented in full or in part to any other institution for examination.

……………………………… ..…………………………

VICTORIA A. ARYEE DATE

(10253172)

…………………………………. ………………………………

DR. WAZI APOH DATE

(SUPERVISOR)

...... ………………………………

PROF. KODZO GAVUA DATE

(ADVISOR)

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ABSTRACT

This research looks at the use of salvage archaeology as a research method for the documentation and conservation of heritage sites that are being threatened by the rise in sea levels. Such devastating effects of the ocean on coastal environments are often as a result of climate change and global warming. Over the years, sea levels have been steadily rising, leading to the erosion of coastlines in Ghana to about 110 meters inland, and the submergence of historic coastal settlements. Specifically, a historic Danish Fort (Fort

Kongensten) constructed in 1783 along the coast of Ada Foah, a town located in the

Greater Region of Ghana, has been totally eroded away by the rising sea water. This thesis explores the strategic use of salvage archaeology, archival and ethnographic field methods in the documentation of the remains of this fort and associated historic sites. The excavations conducted at Ada Foah, a historic site, yielded a feature; a midden that comprised of fragments of pottery, European ceramics, stems and bowls of smoking pipes, cowrie shells, glass bottles, metal pieces, large quantities of Arca Senilis and Ostrea

Denticulata to mention but a few. These materials give an insight into the materiality and period of contact between the Danes and the people of Ada Foah. Overall, this work assesses the extent to which archaeology and anthropology can be used as tools in climate change mitigation projects and conservation of heritage remains.

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DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to my entire family for the encouragement and support they gave me throughout this course. More especially to my Father Mr. James Ebo Whyte; for you have taught me that true family transcends blood ties.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I thank the Almighty God for his favor and mercies upon my life throughout my studies.

I would graciously acknowledge the efforts of the Lecturers of the Department of

Archaeology and Heritage Studies (DAHS), for the tutelage they have offered me. Special thanks to my supervisors Dr. Wazi Apoh and Prof. Kodzo Gavua for their unending support and guidance throughout my studies, and the head of Department Professor

Benjamin Kankpeyeng for his support.

I extend my appreciation to Professor Anquandah for his mentorship and nuggets of wisdom that have guided my decision-taking in the field of Archaeology, and to Mr.

L.B Crossland for his support through my research analysis. I would also like to thank all th