Conceptualizing Time in Archaeology: A Study of the Igbo of Nigeria
Pamela Ifeoma Eze-Uzomaka
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2018
Pages:
62-67
Received:
25 October 2018
Accepted:
20 November 2018
Published:
26 December 2018
Abstract: Archaeologists are very concerned with chronology and the measurement of time especially as it affects linear time. This is because all archaeological finds are usually dated, so that they can have lasting significance. In a bid to bring stability and sagacity to the archaeological practice, archaeologists have extensively employed the use of chronology, frequently using agreed measures of time to construct prehistory. However the concept of time in indigenous communities is a far cry from “time” as observed by professional archaeologists. The objective of this study is to to determine the historical awareness of cultures and indigenous people and examine their characteristic way of observing time, which is indicative of their peculiar philosophy of life. For this study, the methodology used was the ethnographic research approach, which involved in-depth interviews. To achieve this objective, purposive judgemental sampling method was used to guarantee that a definite class of knowledgeable people are represented in the study. Using the Nkwerre indigenous society as a case study, the results of this research demonstrate that the application of time is culture bound. The event is more important than the actual time it took place. It is concluded that Western societies have a different assessment of time as opposed to non-Western societies. This paper is therefore, an analytical reflection on how the Igbo of Nigeria perceive time.
Abstract: Archaeologists are very concerned with chronology and the measurement of time especially as it affects linear time. This is because all archaeological finds are usually dated, so that they can have lasting significance. In a bid to bring stability and sagacity to the archaeological practice, archaeologists have extensively employed the use of chron...
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