Archaeology - The Pillar Of History In Nigeria

Archaeology is like a window to the past. It helps us learn about how people lived a long time ago. In Nigeria, there are special scientists called archaeologists who dig up old things to tell us stories about our ancestors. These archaeologists are very important because they help us understand our culture and history.

Who Is an Archaeologist?

An archaeologist is someone who studies the past by digging up things that people left behind. These things could be tools, buildings, or even drawings. Archaeologists look for these old items, then study them to understand how people used to live. They work hard to save these treasures so we can learn from them, and they teach us about how our traditions and customs started.

Learning About Archaeology

In Nigeria, some universities have classes where students can learn to be archaeologists. It takes three to four years to learn everything you need to know. Students learn about old tools, how to dig up items, and how to use special machines to find things buried underground. They also get to practice by going to old places and digging to find things that people used long ago. This hands-on practice helps them become really good at their work.

What Do Archaeologists Do?

Archaeologists do many different things to help us learn about history:

• Finding Sites: They walk around different places and use special tools to find areas where old things might be hidden. They take pictures from above and check the land to find out where to dig.

• Digging Up Artefacts: Archaeologists carefully dig to find old items. They use special tools to make sure they don’t break anything. Digging takes a lot of time and patience because it’s very important to keep everything safe.

• Studying and Understanding: Once they find old things, archaeologists study them to understand what they are and how they were used. They write down everything they find and compare it to other things to learn more about the past.

• Keeping Things Safe: After finding artefacts, archaeologists clean and store them so they don’t get damaged. This helps make sure that these items stay safe for future generations.

Careers in Archaeology

There are many types of jobs you can do if you are an archaeologist:

• Contract Archaeology: Sometimes, archaeologists work for builders. They make sure that any old items are found and saved before new buildings are made. They work quickly to make sure history is not lost.

• Research Archaeology: Some archaeologists work in universities. They spend a lot of time studying what they find and sharing their discoveries with others. They might also work with other archaeologists from different countries to learn even more.

• Public Archaeology: Public archaeologists teach people about history. They organise events like exhibitions and workshops so everyone can learn about archaeology and why it’s important.

• Specialist Archaeology: Some archaeologists focus on one thing, like tools, pottery, or human bones. They become experts in that area and help others understand those items better.

• Teaching: Archaeologists can also be teachers. They work in schools and universities, sharing their knowledge and helping new archaeologists learn about the past.

• Self-Employment: Some archaeologists work for themselves. They find old items and sell them to museums, or they work on their own research projects. Sometimes they even work in other countries where there is less competition.

Why Is Archaeology Important?

Archaeologists are very important for helping us understand history. They help us learn about how people used to live, what they believed, and how they solved problems. By finding and studying old artefacts, archaeologists make sure that our history is not forgotten.

Many people do not think about archaeology as a job because they think other jobs pay more money. But archaeology can be a great job for people who love history and culture. It also brings job satisfaction because you get to protect history and discover new things.

Archaeology also helps us feel proud of our country. By finding out about Nigeria's past, we learn more about the different cultures that make up our nation. This helps us feel connected to our roots and appreciate our culture.

Key Points

• Different Jobs: There are many types of archaeology jobs, like working for builders, doing research, teaching, or working for yourself. Each job helps us understand and protect history in a different way.

• Community Involvement: Public archaeologists get everyone involved in learning about history. This makes archaeology fun and helps more people understand why it’s important.

• Protecting History: Archaeologists make sure that old artefacts and sites are protected so we can learn from them. Their work keeps our culture and history safe for the future.

• Teaching Others: Archaeologists also help teach people about history. They give talks, organise events, and help inspire the next generation of archaeologists.

Conclusion

Archaeology is the foundation of history in Nigeria. It helps us learn about our culture and heritage. There are many careers in archaeology, and it can be both rewarding and exciting. By supporting archaeology, we help protect our history and keep it alive for everyone to enjoy. Archaeologists do more than just dig up artefacts—they piece together the story of human civilisation and help us understand where we come from. As Nigeria continues to grow, archaeologists will play an important role in protecting the country’s heritage and passing it on to future generations. Supporting archaeology means keeping our history alive and continuing to inspire and educate us all.