Frontier archaeology of the Akuapem ridge and the eastern Accra Plains

Abstract

The paper examines the links between the social groups on the Akuapem ridge and the Shai area, who occupy contrasting landscapes. Oral, ethnographic, historical and archaeological evidence suggests that agricultural produce from the Akuapem ridge was exchanged for pottery from the Shai area. Sixteenth and seventeenth century pottery on the Akuapem ridge provides strong archaeological evidence for the socioeconomic links between the two landscapes. These interactions, which led to word borrowing on both sides, did not, however, result in significant sociopolitical influences. The dominant Akan community exerted the greatest influence on the groups.

Institute of African Studies: Research Review Volume Research Review Supplement 17 2006: pp. 91-106