Imprints of Human Past on Mangila and Getuwa Sites, Miya, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Essentially, the clue to the present largely relies on our understanding of the past. The light we seek in the present can only be accessed through a critical study, understanding, and documentation of remains of human workmanship surviving from the past. In light of this, this article presents an archaeological investigation of Mangila and Getuwa hilltop settlements situated in the present-day Miya, Bauchi State. Miya is known for its unique West Chadic language and a tradition of mass circumcision, but very little is known about its archaeology. This research adopts a historical archaeology framework, which involves using oral tradition and written records to study and document the imprints of past human activities on Mangila and Getuwa sites. This research has therefore contributed to what is known about the culture history of southern Bauchi and Bauchi people in general through a thorough survey and documentation of archaeological remains on both Mangila and Getuwa sites. It has also been able to document the rich tradition of the mass circumcision of boys among the Miya people.