INQUA 2302 sy: Study of the Recent Quaternary of the South Coast Benin, from Archaeological and Botanical Data (QuaReb)

The project titled “Study of the Recent Quaternary of the South Coast of Benin, Based on Archaeological and Botanical Data” received financial support from INQUA under the “Single-Year Project” category to facilitate fieldwork and laboratory analyses. Archaeological, archaeobotanical, and palynological investigations were conducted along the coastal zone between Avlékété and Djègbadji, within the commune of Ouidah, Republic of Benin. Three field campaigns were carried out in February, March, and April 2023, focusing on archaeological sites and adjacent ponds. The collected materials were subsequently analysed in laboratory settings to assess archaeological, archaeobotanical, and palynological data.

Abstract

Climate reconstruction models show an alternation of fairly long-lasting cooling phases (Glacials) and shorter warming phases (Interglacials). These phases have brought changes at various levels on the terrestrial globe. In West Africa, there is still an open question whether the phytogeographic interruption called Dahomey-Gap (observed between Nigeria and Ghana) was caused by natural causes or by anthropogenic action.

The dense forests of southern Benin raise many questions about the relationship between vegetation and anthropogenic activities over the last millennia. Research has already been carried out to study this phenomenon, but it hasn’t expanded over the entire perimeter of the Dahomey-Gap, which explains the insufficiency of data. Combining archaeological, archaeobotanical and palynological data, the project aims to better understand the dynamics of this environment.

Objectives:

The aim of the project was to gather data to better understand the establishment of the Dahomey-Gap and the adaptation of populations and their role, based on archaeological and botanical data. Concretely, this involved documenting the settlement of Benin’s coastal side, the area between Avlékété and Djègbadji, by collecting plant remains for archaeobotanical and palynological analyses. The other aim was to revitalise scientific research on the Quaternary in West Africa, specifically in Benin.

Project leaders:

• Monique Tossou, Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology (LaBEV), University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin