The Senegal-Niger river axis has been a space for settlement, exchange, and cultural interactions for millennia. Thanks to archaeological research, we discover how ancient populations shaped and occupied these landscapes, leaving traces of their cultures and ways of life. This article provides an introduction to landscape archaeology in this region, addressing the issues of human settlement and the distribution of archaeological sites along the rivers. This topic will be explored during the young researchers' conference, which will help to better understand the complex history of this region, crucial for West Africa.
Landscape Archaeology: An Integrated Approach
Landscape archaeology studies the interactions between human societies and their environment. In the context of the Senegal-Niger river axis, this approach helps to understand how past civilizations exploited and transformed natural resources, influencing local ecosystems (Coquery-Vidrovitch, 1992). The analysis of archaeological landscapes reveals agricultural practices, transportation and trade systems, as well as communication networks. These insights contribute to our understanding of settlement dynamics and how populations organized the territory to meet their social, economic, and cultural needs.
Rivers have always been natural attractors of settlement, offering water resources, fertile lands, and communication routes. In West Africa, the Senegal and Niger rivers enabled the development of organized and influential societies, whose remains are still visible today. By mapping archaeological sites and analyzing their distribution, researchers can trace settlement patterns and understand the strategic choices of ancient societies (McIntosh, 2005).
Early Human Settlements: Traces and Remains
Archaeological research along the Senegal-Niger axis reveals settlement remains dating back thousands of years. The earliest human settlements, dating back to prehistoric times, are often located near water sources and natural resources. These sites include remains of temporary camps, hearths, and stone structures, providing evidence of early human occupation in the region (D’Andrea, 2014).
Neolithic sites, in particular, offer valuable insights into early agricultural and pastoral communities. Along the rivers, populations gradually developed irrigation and farming techniques suited to local conditions. Recent discoveries of pottery, stone tools, and seed remains show that these populations possessed advanced knowledge in agriculture and water management, contributing to the structuring of the landscapes (Holl, 2009).
Great Centers of Civilization along the Rivers
The Senegal and Niger rivers also gave rise to great civilizations. Among the most famous are the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire, whose capitals and commercial centers were strategically located along the river routes. The city of Djenné, for example, is one of the oldest sites in the Niger River region, with remains dating back to the 3rd century BCE. It served as a trading hub for goods such as gold, salt, and copper, transported by river to supply trans-Saharan trade (Insoll, 2003).
Archaeologists have discovered earth brick structures, pottery, and metal objects, attesting to the craftsmanship and cultural wealth of these societies. These remains illustrate the importance of rivers as routes for circulation and economic development. The concentration of archaeological sites along the rivers highlights how these locations were essential for controlling trade routes and establishing urban centers (McIntosh & McIntosh, 1981).
Distribution of Sites and Settlement Dynamics
The distribution of archaeological sites along the Senegal-Niger river axis provides insight into settlement dynamics in the region. Research shows a concentration of sites near river courses, reflecting the importance of river resources to ancient populations. This distribution also highlights population movements and exchanges between different regions, emphasizing the role of rivers as cultural and economic connectors.
Landscape archaeology also detects changes in site occupation in response to environmental and climatic variations. For example, certain periods of drought pushed populations to move to more humid areas, while periods of river prosperity favored the rise of urban settlements. These occupation dynamics are essential for understanding how ancient societies adapted to environmental challenges, a topic that is particularly relevant in the current context of climate change (Gallin et al., 2010).
Perspectives and Challenges in Archaeological Research
Research in landscape archaeology along the Senegal-Niger axis provides valuable knowledge about the history of riverine societies and their relationship with the environment. These studies also help preserve and highlight the cultural heritage of the region, contributing to the development of archaeological tourism and the education of future generations. However, the protection of archaeological sites is threatened by erosion, economic pressures, and growing urbanization, which calls for responsible and sustainable heritage management.
Collaborative research initiatives, involving local communities and international researchers, are essential for promoting archaeology that respects cultural and environmental contexts. By combining archaeological data with modern technologies such as satellite imagery and digital mapping, researchers can better document and understand the distribution of sites and settlement dynamics along the river axis (Insoll, 2003).
Conclusion
Landscape archaeology along the Senegal-Niger axis offers a window into the history of the societies that occupied and transformed these lands. By exploring settlement dynamics and site distribution, researchers reveal the deep connections between ancient populations and their environments. The young researchers' conference represents a unique opportunity to share these discoveries and raise awareness of the importance of preserving this heritage. Through this research, a part of African history is brought to light, emphasizing the significance of rivers as drivers of civilization.
References
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Coquery-Vidrovitch, C. (1992). Histoire des villes d’Afrique noire: Des origines à la colonisation. Albin Michel.
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D’Andrea, A. C. (2014). Early agriculture in Africa: Beginnings of agriculture in the Horn of Africa and Sudan. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History.
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Gallin, C., et al. (2010). Mapping Historical Landscapes in the Sahel. Journal of African Archaeology, 8(1), 23-40.
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Holl, A. F. C. (2009). The Archaeology of Early African Pastoralism. Cambridge University Press.
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Insoll, T. (2003). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge University Press.
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McIntosh, S. K., & McIntosh, R. J. (1981). The Inland Niger Delta before the Empire of Mali: Evidence from Jenne-jeno. The Journal of African History, 22(1), 1-22.
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McIntosh, R. J. (2005). Ancient Middle Niger: Urbanism and the Self-Organizing Landscape. Cambridge University Press.