Archaeological Indications of Past Lifeways on the Krobo Mountain, Ghana

Abstract

Data from a recent archaeological survey and excavations conducted on the
Krobo Mountain confirm claims that the settlement was the main religious
and political centre for the Krobo people of south-eastern Ghana. Despite
the physical separation of the settlement into Yilo and Manya sections, there
is a remarkable similarity in the cultural landscape of the two groups. The
ruins of shrines, houses, palaces, as well as the advanced nature of the settlement pattern suggest that the communities had attained a high level of
socio-cultural and landscape development before their expulsion in 1892.
The typical association of schnapps bottles, with palm-wine tapping/storage vessels, mumui indicates the twin utility of imported and local
liquor during traditional rites and festivals in the past. The identification of
iron anklets and bells, cowries, and glass beads in contexts similar to those
found in communities in present-day Krobo suggests retention of some aspects of ancient customs and religious rites.