| Begho | |
| Alternate Name: | Bighu, Biru |
| Map Type: | Ghana |
| Map Size: | 250 |
| Coordinates: | 7.8412°N -2.4753°W |
| Built: | 13th century |
| Abandoned: | early 19th century |
Begho was a city located in Ghana, located just south of its successor community, Hani.[1]
Begho existed in some form beginning in the 13th century, but its heyday began in the 15th century with a settlement there populated by early Jula traders emerging from Soninke Wangara lineages. The name derives from 'Biru' meaning 'market', the original Soninke name for Walata, an important trading center in modern-day Mauritania.
Oral histories state that inhabitants dispersed into neighboring communities in the mid-18th century after the destruction of the town by the Ashanti Empire. Nearby towns tracing their founders' origin to Begho include Kong and Bondoukou. The town persisted in a reduced form into the early 19th century, however.
Excavations were carried out by the University of Ghana from 1970 to 1979, and a joint excavation was carried out by UCLA and the University of Ghana in 1979. There was never an extensive surface survey, only specific sites were excavated.
The excavations identified at least 5 separate quarters throughout the city and a total of 1000 to 1500 house mounds, leading to an estimate of a largest population of about 7,000 - 10,000 people. The quarters consisted of one for the local Brong population, the Nyarko quarter, the Kramo quarter, the Dwinfor quarter, and the market quarter. The Nyarko quarter is believed to have hosted Brong, while the Kramo quarter is believed to have hosted Mande-speaking Muslims. The Dwinfuor quarter showed evidence of metallurgy. Two other quarters were identified, however they were not excavated.
The pottery scatter of the site covered about 13,000 hectares. It was difficult to identify all of the collapsed houses in the area, as the area is covered in thick elephant grass up to 3m tall and Hani villagers using the earth from collapsed houses for the swish walls of new houses.
Houses tended to be built around a courtyard with rooms not being larger than 3m by 4m, and the floors were set up higher than the courtyard by about 15 cm to 25 cm. Houses tended to have cisterns, usually 1m wide and 2m deep. The courtyards were likely the sites of activities such as shelling of nuts and cooking, as possible hearthstones have been found in these locations.
Spindle whorls were found in each of the quarters, and especially the Brong quarter. Additionally, dye pits were identified in the Kramo quarter. Textiles were likely important in Begho. Arabic sources note Begho as well known for its textiles.
There is evidence for both ironworking and brassworking in Begho. Both predated Begho itself. A distinct iron smelting area was found 4.2 km northwest of Begho. Ironworking probably only took place there between the 15th to 17th centuries, as iron could eventually be imported from larger trade networks. Blacksmithing, however, took place in Begho itself. Slag has been found in each of the quarters. Iron was smithed into arrowheads, knives, rings, nails, hoe blades, and spurs.
Brassworking was based out of the Dwinfuor quarter, as there were many clay crucibles with brass signatures. The brass was smithed into rings, earrings, bracelets, leglets, and other jewelry. In addition, brass weights were found that follow the Islamic system of weights.
Begho's population took great advantage of the natural resources surrounding the city. Yams were cultivated from 'famer shelters' outside of the city, as evidenced from scatters of pottery miles outside of the city. It is likely that carrots and onion were eaten at Begho, but it is unknown whether or not mangos, cowpeas, and okra were eaten. In addition, there was likely grain cultivation (sorghum or millet) as broken grindstones have been found. Through a persistent knowledge of up to 500 local plants in the area by modern locals, it can be hypothesized that the population of Begho was aware of plants for a variety of uses.[2]
When it came to animals, the population of Begho consumed both large and small animals. Many small animals, such as grass cutters and birds were trapped, smoked, and dried. The jaws of grass cutters could be found in almost all of the quarters of Begho (except for the Kramo and market quarters). Cows were likely the most eaten livestock, but sheep and goat were also present. Cow bones were the most common to find, with sheep, goat, rat, and antelope bones also found.
There were no signs of a town wall uncovered, suggesting that Begho had a freer trade than other cities and was more peaceful. Brass was probably imported, as Dwinfuor's crucibles contained brass from different sources.