An Assessment of Illegal Solid Minerals Prospecting and Extraction and theDestruction of Archaeological Materials and sites in Nok Village and itsEnvirons

Abstract

This paper examines the devastating impact of illegal solid minerals prospecting
and exploitation on archaeological materials in Nok village and its surroundings,
Northwestern Nigeria. Through collection of oral traditions, review of several
relevant literatures and a detailed case study, this paper investigates how this
activity of man has affected the preservation of the invaluable archaeological
materials and sites associated with the ancient Nok civilization which is known
for its terracotta sculptures or figurines in the study areas. It also discusses the
general implications of this destruction in terms of heritage preservation and
offers recommendations for mitigating such damage.