Cross Cultural Encounters along the Dixcove Coastline, Ghana

April 24, 2017

Abstract:

This paper presents results of historical archaeological investigations conducted along the Dixcove coastline, Ghana, on the consequences of the English presence there and how their encounter with the local Ahanta ethnic group who occupy Dixcove impacted the body polity of Ahanta-land and the local economy. The study revealed that prior to the advent of the English and their construction of Fort Metal Cross in 1692, it was a small coastal chiefdom with fishing, gold mining and salt production constituting the mainstays of the local economy. The period after arrival of the English however witnessed development of vibrant commercial relations between the two groups, and embracing of each other’s cultural life-ways. The locals for example, adopted European novelties like smoking tobacco through pipes, Western dress codes and education, architecture and culinary practices, while the English embraced local foods and use of local pottery. The study period spanned circa 1620 – 1900 A.D.

Biography:

Dr. Fritz Biveridge holds a PhD in Historical Archaeology from University of Ghana where he has taught several courses for the last eleven years as Lecturer in the department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies. His main research interests include cross cultural contact and their implications on the interactants, cultural resource management and monument conservation in Ghana. He has several publications in peer reviewed journals. He is a member of Africa Archaeology Network and also a Board Member of Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust, Ghana's foremost heritage conservation institution.

 

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