Social settlement dynamics and environmental processes in pre-colonial Nigeria: growing the Igbo-Ukwu cultural landscape (SosDen)

SosDen examines the intersection of human-environmental interactions at the c. 9th-13th CE Igbo-Ukwu cultural landscape with the aim of understanding how human-environment interactions have contributed to the development of early urban landscapes in West Africa by i) reconstructing the environmental context of settlement development; ii) reconstructing the spatial and temporal sequences of settlement and industrial activities in the landscape; iii) undertaking diverse material science analyses of recovered ceramics, plant remains, soil and sediment samples in collaboration with scholars at the McDonald Institute, University of Cambridge. To pursue these aims, the research will draw on the ER's (Experienced Researcher) specialisms in palynology and ceramic analysis; and Cambridge's extensive archives and leading expertise in material sciences, bioarchaeology, and geoarchaeology. Study of archival holdings, including Thurstan Shaw's unpublished notes, diagrams, photos, correspondence, held by Cambridge University Library, will contribute to the spatial mapping of the site and reconstruction of its changing configuration and composition over time. Analyses of samples from the applicant's recent fieldwork will combine training in elemental, macro-soil analysis (pXRF) and soil micromorphological analyses at Cambridge. For the first time, these analyses will generate new data to characterize local environmental conditions through time; define relations between resource availability and technology; chart the footprint of human activities and environmental change, and define the spatio-temporal context of a relatively known civilisation. At the end of SosDen, existing relationships between the Universities of Cambridge and Nigeria will be expanded and capacity building for the ER and his home institution will be enhanced. This will be beneficial to the ER's research, promote knowledge transfer and strengthen the ER's European research network.