Archaeological analysis reveals the role of ritual burning in shaping ancestor shrines and community identity in West Africa, highlighting cultural significance.
Key Points
The paper aims to explore the significance of ritual burning and its role in creating ancestor shrines in central West Africa.
Analyzed archaeological features including burned walls and floors at sites in central West Africa.
Contextualized burning within cultural and religious practices of local communities.
Identified that burned architectural features are often results of sacrificial burning.
Demonstrated the transformative and creative role of fire in cultural settings, particularly related to blacksmiths and potters.