A recent study by González-Ruibal, A. (2024) titled “Landscapes of Memory and Power: The Archaeology of a Forgotten Kingdom in Ethiopia” published in African Archaeological Review by Springer Link examines that the kingdoms of southern Ethiopia, like Anfillo, have been largely overlooked in archaeological research compared to their northern counterparts.
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Southern Ethiopian kingdoms like Anfillo used fortified landscapes and oral traditions to legitimize social divisions.– González-Ruibal, A. 2024
This article, “Landscapes of Memory and Power: The Archaeology of a Forgotten Kingdom in Ethiopia”, explores the kingdom of Anfillo in southern Ethiopia. Unlike northern Ethiopian kingdoms, southern Ethiopian polities like Anfillo have received little archaeological attention due to their late emergence and lack of written records. The study is based on two seasons of fieldwork, including surveys, teUncovering Anfillo: A Forgotten Kingdom in Southern Ethiopia Revealed Through Archaeology!st pits, and oral history, revealing fortified landscapes used for conflict and memory. Landscapes in Anfillo served as mnemonic devices for the ruling classes to legitimize social divisions and tell history. The article discusses the political complexity and social hierarchy of Anfillo, highlighting its unique features compared to other African states.
How the Study was Conducted
The author conducted fieldwork over two seasons in 2009 and 2010—interviews with Oromo elders, descendants of old aristocratic families, and Boro elders. The author studies the cultural practices and material culture of the region. The author explores the physical examination of the landscape and excavation of test pits. The author utilizes satellite imagery and GIS analyses to study the geographical and spatial aspects of the region and focuses on pottery-making, distribution, and consumption.
What the Authors Found
The author found that the kingdoms of southern Ethiopia, like Anfillo, have been largely overlooked in archaeological research compared to their northern counterparts. Anfillo and other southern Ethiopian polities developed fortified landscapes that served as mnemonic devices for the ruling classes to legitimize social divisions. In addition, the study found that landscapes of memory, including natural landmarks and sacred places, played a significant role in telling history and legitimizing authority in the absence of written records.
Why is this Important
Filling Historical Gaps: It sheds light on the lesser-known southern Ethiopian kingdoms, which have been largely neglected in historical and archaeological research.
Understanding Cultural Memory: The research highlights how landscapes and oral traditions were used to preserve and convey history, especially in the absence of written records.
Social and Political Insights: It provides a deeper understanding of the social hierarchy, political structures, and cultural practices of the Anfillo kingdom.
Archaeological Techniques: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining various archaeological methods, such as fieldwork, oral history, and GIS analyses, to uncover and interpret historical data.
What the Authors Recommended
- The author suggests more extensive archaeological and ethnohistorical research in southern Ethiopia to uncover and document other neglected kingdoms and polities.
- The study emphasizes the importance of preserving the cultural landscapes and oral histories of the region to maintain the cultural heritage.
- The study advocates for the use of interdisciplinary methods, combining archaeology, oral history, and modern technologies like GIS, to gain a comprehensive understanding of historical societies.
- Furthermore, the study encourages involving local communities in the research process to ensure that their knowledge and perspectives are integrated and respected.
In conclusion, the study of the Anfillo kingdom offers valuable insights into the overlooked southern Ethiopian polities, revealing their rich cultural heritage, social complexity, and political structures. By utilizing interdisciplinary approaches such as fieldwork, oral history, and modern technologies like GIS, the research bridges historical gaps and underscores the importance of preserving these cultural landscapes and traditions. This exploration not only contributes to our understanding of the region’s history but also highlights the significance of involving local communities in preserving and interpreting their past.
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