A preliminary Archaeological Investigation of Rikochi Abandoned Settlement, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to report the archaeological investigation carried out on Rikochi abandoned settlement. Rikochi is one of the earliest walled Hausa settlements of the Zaria people. The goal of this paper is to understand an aspect of the culture history of the people that settled, used and abandoned the site. The ground/surface survey method which involves traversing the site on foot with the eyes focused on the ground to identify evidence of human occupation was adopted; the finds identified on the site were studied, measurements were taken and some collected for further studies while the features were identified measured and studied insitu. The finds identified include: potsherds, grinding stones {both upper and lower} and hammer stones. The features are: defensive wall, streams and lateritic outcrops. The paper in the end classified the site as a habitation site due to the cultural remains identified on the site. This research has revealed that the past inhabitants had relationship with the neighbouring communities in the form of trade, exchange of goods and intermarriages; this was gathered from the oral tradition collected and the presence of pottery remains which were never made in the settlement. They past inhabitants like their present descendants were able to understand and utilize their environment to sustain themselves, particularly in the area of agriculture.