A Catalogue of Archaeological Sites in Southern Katsina, Katsina State,Nigeria

Abstract

Southern Katsina occupies an important position within the wider historical
landscape of Katsina Kingdom. Despite its recognized role in regional political
development, craft production, and long-distance trade, the archaeological record
of its southern districts remains insufficiently explored. This paper presents a
structured catalogue of settlement sites in Southern Katsina, drawn from
archaeological reconnaissance, oral traditions, archival references, and GISbased spatial documentation. Identified archaeological sites include settlement
sites, that vary in scale, setting, and associated material remains. By consolidating
dispersed data into a single descriptive framework, this study provides a baseline
catalogue of sites for future exploration, chronological refinement, and heritage
management. The paper contributes to the broader understanding of settlement
evolution and development in Katsina Kingdom and highlights the archaeological
potential of Southern Katsina. Recommendations are given for future work,
including targeted excavation, scientific dating, and interdisciplinary analyses.
These results provide a baseline for archaeologists and heritage managers to
understand settlement history in Southern Katsina and to prioritize research. By
consolidating dispersed data into a single catalogue, the study aims to support
future investigations of settlement continuity, landscape use, and the archaeology
of pre-emirate and emirate-era society in this part of northern Nigeria.