Contributions of Bioarchaeology to Understanding the Past: A Study of Excavated Human Skeletons from Hani-Begho, Ghana.

ABSTRACT

The complexity of the archaeological record and its interpretation require a holistic comprehension of its makeup from an objective point of view rather than from a single subjective perspective. The analyses of materials recovered from the archaeological record of most sites in Ghana often neglect the analysis of human skeletal finds. This development affects the holistic interpretation of those sites. In view of such gaps, this research sought to subject the skeletal remains from Hani-Begho, within the Tain District of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana, in the storage of the Museum of Archaeology, University of Ghana, to an in-depth bioarchaeological analysis. This was based on the idea that human skeletal remains have the potential to provide insights into the past. The research focused on the extent to which the bioarchaeological study of human remains from the Hani-Begho site can bolster understanding of the anthropology of death and archaeothanatological practices at the site. The study of the samples revealed eight individuals from Hani-Begho (five females and three males), which can be dated by reference to materials from the site to between the 11th and 15th centuries. Funeral treatments varied considerably in Hani-Begho’s social, cultural and religious parameters, for example Chromolaena odorata (Acheampong) leaves and schnapps were used to preserve dead bodies. The predominance of occlusal wear in molars and premolars could have resulted from masticatory behaviour. Additionally, evidence of ante-mortem teeth loss on the samples masked possible evidence of poor dental health. Also evident on some of the skeletons were blunt force trauma on skulls and the creation of artificial diastema and teeth filling within the community. The research forms the basis for sophisticated scientific analysis of human skeletal remains and the cataloguing and accessioning of these remains in the Museum of Archaeology.