Re-inventing the living past from the utilitarian values of pre-historic archaeology: a case for inter-disciplinary approach

Abstract

This paper argues that the past material culture of any human society should always be subjected to criticisms and interpretive analysis based on archaeological evidence. It opines that in the interest of historical scholarship, certain inherent distortions that characterize oral and written histories should be re-evaluated, through the scientific research efforts of archaeology, to pave the way for more objective historical research. This paper submits that pre-historic archaeology can be very relevant to historical studies through its memorable artifacts which help the historian to dig deep into the dust heap of ancient cultures and civilization. Finally, this paper recommends that the archaeology curriculum should be overhauled to suit the needs of our eodern time while Ministries of CulturE afd Tourism at all levels of governmenp should exploit the rich heritage of ar#haeological sites like Nok, @aima, Ig`o-Ekwu, the styhistic terracotta of Ife and Benin Ivory mask cultures.

Key Words: T`e living past histnry, Utilitarian values, PrE-history, Archaeology