The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon)

Protais Pamphile Patrice Medjo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon)

Protais Pamphile Patrice Medjo^*

Published in International Journal of Archaeology (Volume 12, Issue 2)

Received: 22 July 2024 Accepted: 16 August 2024 Published: 30 August 2024

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

The reading of the transformations recorded in the material equipment of disappeared societies still remains largely inspired by the dogma of materialism. This inclines inferences, in archaeology, to systematically deduce evolutionary stages on a double level, chronological and economic, from the material remains of technological changes only. However, the unpredictable experience of human societies can often reveal situations that contradict the established inferential model. Such a reality therefore poses the problem of searching for an approach capable of achieving balance in the possible equation between the experience of human societies and the methodological means implemented to account for it. The question therefore remains to know whether data collected and explained in a methodological approach specific to a discipline always reproduce the improbable nature of the reality of human societies, both living and extinct? Thus, ethnographic, qualitative data and archaeological facts are do they still agree regarding the current experience of life of the Bakola-Bayéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon, since the 1990s? The hypothesis supports: data collected according to the orthodoxy of techniques specific to dissociated disciplinary fields, in a conventional manner, can contradict each other on the same fact. The complexity of the reality of human societies escapes the specific filter of conceptual and methodological practices characteristic of the disciplines that separate techniques specific to each method. The archaeological witnesses, taken from surveys carried out on the sites where the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” live, contradict the oral testimonies, given by these same populations through interviews, directive and semi-directive, guided by a questionnaire. A comparative study of qualitative and quantitative data makes it possible to verify the hypotheses put forward. The theoretical approach acquired to the cause of disorganization and opposed to the terminism of ends makes it possible to discuss the a priori organization of cultural facts and the accomplishment of reserved goals.

Published in	International Journal of Archaeology (Volume 12, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13
Page(s)	34-48
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Bakola-Bagyéli, Methodological Limits, Interdisciplinarity, Disorganization

References

[1]	Gallay, A. L’archéologie demain [Archeology tomorrow]. Paris: Belford; 1986, p. 46-98.
[2]	Demoule, J.-P., Lehoërff, A., Giligny, F., Schapp, A. Guide des méthodes de l’archéologie. 3e edition [Guide to the methods of archaeology. 3rd Edition]. Paris: Éditions Ladécouverte; 2009, pp. 218-247.
[3]	Malmassari, VG. Le développement de la préhistoire au 19^e siècle: un apprivoisement du temps [The development of prehistory in the 19th century: a taming of time]. Bulletin de la société préhistorique française. 2005, Volume 102, No. 4, pp. 709-714.
[4]	Etounga Manguéllé, D., Cent ans d’alliénation [One hundred years of alienation]. Editions Silex; 1985, pp. 3-8.
[5]	Bruel, G. Les populations de la moyenne Sanga: Pomo, Boumali, Babinga. In Notes ethnographiques sur quelques tribus de l’Afrique Equatoriale Française [The populations of the middle Sanga: Pomo, Boumali, Babinga. In Ethnographic notes on some tribes of French Equatorial Africa]. Paris: Editions Leroux; 1911, pp. 31-45.
[6]	Alexandre, P. Proto-histoire du groupe Beti-Fang, essai de systemétisation [Proto-history of the Beti-Fang group, attempt at systemization]. Cahiers d’ Etudes africaines. 1965, V 4, № 20, pp. 503-560.
[7]	Lalouel, J. Les Babinga du Bas Oubangui. Contribution à l’étude anthropologique des négrilles baka et bayaka [The Babinga of Bas Oubangui. Contribution to the anthropological study of the Baka and Bayaka negriles]. Bulletin et Mémoires de la Société d’Anthropologie de Paris, 1950, Tome 1, pp. 60-98.
[8]	Althabe, G. Changements sociaux chez les Pygmées Baka de l’Est-Cameroun [Social changes among the Baka Pygmies of Eastern Cameroon]. Cahiers d’ Etudes africaines. 1965, V 4, № 20, pp. 562-592.
[9]	(de) Foy, G. Ph. Les Pygmées d’Afrique Centrale [The Pygmies of Central Africa]. Paris: Editions Parenthèses; 1984, pp. 31-42, 40, 41, 120.
[10]	Chamoux, M.-N. Introduction, Persistances et Innovations [Introduction, Persistences and Innovations]. Technique et culture, 1988, № 11, pp. i-vi.
[11]	International Journal of Archaeology, “The Analysis of Socio-cultural Dynamics in Ethnographic Context Demonstrates with Archaeological Witnesses, in Central Africa and the Middle East, the Gap Between Form and Function”. Available from: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241201.12 [Accessed July 7, 2024].
[12]	International Journal of Archaeology, “Critical analysis of the concept of “Human Adaptation” to Discuss its adequacy with Socio-cultural Dynamics in Light with Ethnographic Observations and Archaeological Evidence”. Available from: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241201.11 [Accessed July 7, 2024].
[13]	Medjo, P. P. P. La question des lacunes archéologiques dans l’interprétation des vestiges des changements techniques: perspectives de recherche inspirées des observations ethnographiques chez les «Pygmées» Bakola-Bagyéli du Sud-Cameroun. In Archéologie du Cameroun. Des strates du sol aux pages d’histoire [The question of archaeological gaps in the interpretation of the remains of technical changes: research perspectives inspired by ethnographic observations among the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon. In Archeology of Cameroon. From the strata of the soil to the pages of history]. Yaoundé: Éditions de Midi; 2020, pp. 267-286.
[14]	Medjo, P. P. P. Approche archéologique et ethnographique des dynamiques socio-culturelles chez les Bakola-Bagyéli (Sud-Cameroun). Thèse Ph. D., Université de Yaoundé I [Archaeological and ethnographic approach to socio-cultural dynamics among the Bakola-Bagyéli (South Cameroon). Ph. D. thesis, University of Yaoundé I], 2019.
[15]	Leclerc, C. En bordure de route. Espace social, dynamisme et relation à l'environnement chez les Pygmées Baka du Sud-Est Cameroun. Thèse Ph. D., Université Paris X-Nanterre, [On the side of the road. Social space, dynamism and relationship to the environment among the Baka Pygmies of South-East Cameroon. Ph. D. thesis, University of Paris X-Nanterre], 2002.
[16]	Abéga, S. C. Pygmées Baka le droit à la différence [Baka Pygmies the right to be different]. Yaoundé: Inades-Formation Cameroun; 1998, pp. 67-81.
[17]	Nke Ndi, J. Gestion des écosystèmes forestiers par les Pygmies Bakola/Bagielli et voisins Bantu au Sud Ouest du Cameroun face à l’exploitation néolibérale. Thèse Ph. D., Université Catholique de Louvain [Management of forest ecosystems by Bakola/Bagielli Pygmies and Bantu neighbors in South West Cameroon facing neoliberal exploitation. Ph. D. thesis, Catholic University of Louvain], 2014.
[18]	Ngima Mawoung, G. Le système alimentaire des groupes Pygmées Bakola de la région de Campo (Sud-Ouest du Cameroun). Thèse Ph. D., Université René Descartes Paris V [The food system of the Bakola Pygmy groups in the Campo region (South-West of Cameroon). Ph. D. thesis, René Descartes Paris V University], 1993.
[19]	Testart, A. Éléments de classification des sociétés [Elements of classification of companies]. Paris: Edition errance; pp. 7-22, 135-144.
[20]	Guille-Escuret, G. Technologie et économie: l’homme producteur. In Ethnologie Concepts et aires culturelles [Technology and economy: the producer man. In Ethnology Concepts and cultural areas]. Paris: Armand Colin; 2001 pp. 95-115.
[21]	Leach, E. Critique of anthropology. Paris: PUF; 1968 pp. 16-17.
[22]	Demesse, L. techniques et économie des Pygmées Babinga [Techniques and economy of the Babinga Pygmies]. Paris: Institut d’Ethnologie; 1980, pp. 203-219.
[23]	Abéga, C. S. Marginaux ou marginalisés? le cas des Pygmées Baka. In La marginalisation des Pygmées d’Afrique Centrale [Marginal or marginalized? the case of the Baka Pygmies. In The marginalization of the Pygmies of Central Africa]. Yaoundé: Afrédit; 2006, pp. 23-42.
[24]	Manga Ndjié Bindzi Mballa, H. Les Pygmées face à l’école et à l’état [The Pygmies facing school and the state]. Paris: L’Harmattan; 2009, pp. 291-303.
[25]	Cauvin, J. Naissance des divinités naissance de l’agriculture [Birth of divinities birth of agriculture]. Paris: CNRS; 2010, pp. 13-40.
[26]	Medjo, P. P. P. L’explication de la culture à partir des “Pygmées” Bakola-Bagyéli du Sud-Cameroun: entre recherche de l’efficacité matérielle et libération de l’humain [The explanation of culture from the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon: between the search for material efficiency and the liberation of humanity]. Revista de @ntropologia da UFSCAR. 2021, Volume 13, Numero 2, pp. 80-99.
[27]	Valade, B. Introduction aux sciences sociales [Introduction to social sciences]. Paris: PUF;1996, pp. 445-489.
[28]	Bahuchet, S. Les Pygmées d'aujourd'hui en Afrique centrale [The Pygmies of today in Central Africa]. Journal des africanistes, 1991, tome 61, fascicule 1. pp. 5-35.
[29]	Mayer, A. « Analyse fonctionnelle, classes, propriétés » [Functional analysis, classes, properties]. Available from: https//www.persee.fr/doc [accessed July 11, 2024].
[30]	Poulain, J. P. Obsolescence et nouveau de l’analyse fonctionnelle en sociologie [Obsolescence and new functional analysis in sociology]. Available from: https//www.reacherchgate.net [accessed July 11, 2024].
[31]	Cresswell, R. Éléments d’une problématique. In éléments d’ethnologie 1 Huit terrains [Elements of a problem. In elements of ethnology 1. Eight courts]. Paris: Armand Colin; 1975, pp. 7-23.
[32]	Blanckaert, C. Un œil providentiel [A providential eye]. Les Cahiers de Sciences α Vie,. 1998, № 46, pp. 34-35.
[33]	Dounias E., Ethnoécologie alimentaire des Pygmées Bagyéli-Sud-Cameroun, Rapport de stage Institut Supérieur Technique d’Outre-Mer, C. H. C. I., Quni Geoerge V,76600, Le Havre, Stage effectué à mission ORSTOM du Cameroun, du 26 juin 84 au 21 septembre 84. Du 09 mars 85 au 09 septembre 86 [Food ethnoecology of the Bagyéli Pygmies-South Cameroon, Internship report Institut Supérieur Technique d'Outre-Mer, CHCI, Quni GeoergeV, 76600, Le Havre, Internship carried out at ORSTOM mission in Cameroon, from June 26, 84 to 21 September 84. From March 9, 85 to September 9, 86].
[34]	Goffman, E. Asiles (1961) [Asylums (1961)]. Paris: Edition de Minuit; 1968, pp. 245-268.
[35]	Journal des africanistes, “Projets de développement et réactivation des conflits entre les Pygmées Bakola/Bagyéli et leurs voisins Ngoumba et Ewondo” [“Development projects and reactivation of conflicts between the Bakola/Bagyéli Pygmies and their Ngoumba and Ewondo neighbors”. Available from: https//journals.openedition.org/africanistes/4010 [Accessed July 19, 2024].
[36]	Jay Gould, S. Quand les poules auront les dents [When Chickenheads Have Teeth]. Paris: Fayard; 1984, pp. 171-182.
[37]	(de) Maret, P. Sédentarisation agriculture et métallurgie du Sud Cameroun. Synthèse des recherches depuis 1978. In L’archéologie au Cameroun [Sedentarization, Agriculture, and Metallurgy in Southern Cameroon. Synthesis of Research since 1978. In Archaeology in Cameroon]. Paris: Karthala; 1992, pp. 247-260.
[38]	Huysecom, E. Le concept de néolithique en Afrique Noire vu au travers d’observations ethnoarchéologiques [The Concept of Neolithic in Black Africa through Ethnoarchaeological Observations]. International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences. 1996, 15, pp. 257-262.
[39]	Darwin, C. On the Origin of Species By Man of Natural Selection, Or the Preservation of Favoured Races in Struggle For Life. London: John Murray; 1859, pp.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Medjo, P. P. P. (2024). The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon). International Journal of Archaeology, 12(2), 34-48. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Medjo, P. P. P. The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon). Int. J. Archaeol. 2024, 12(2), 34-48. doi: 10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Medjo PPP. The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon). Int J Archaeol. 2024;12(2):34-48. doi: 10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13,
  author = {Protais Pamphile Patrice Medjo},
  title = {The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon)
},
  journal = {International Journal of Archaeology},
  volume = {12},
  number = {2},
  pages = {34-48},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ija.20241202.13},
  abstract = {The reading of the transformations recorded in the material equipment of disappeared societies still remains largely inspired by the dogma of materialism. This inclines inferences, in archaeology, to systematically deduce evolutionary stages on a double level, chronological and economic, from the material remains of technological changes only. However, the unpredictable experience of human societies can often reveal situations that contradict the established inferential model. Such a reality therefore poses the problem of searching for an approach capable of achieving balance in the possible equation between the experience of human societies and the methodological means implemented to account for it. The question therefore remains to know whether data collected and explained in a methodological approach specific to a discipline always reproduce the improbable nature of the reality of human societies, both living and extinct? Thus, ethnographic, qualitative data and archaeological facts are do they still agree regarding the current experience of life of the Bakola-Bayéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon, since the 1990s? The hypothesis supports: data collected according to the orthodoxy of techniques specific to dissociated disciplinary fields, in a conventional manner, can contradict each other on the same fact. The complexity of the reality of human societies escapes the specific filter of conceptual and methodological practices characteristic of the disciplines that separate techniques specific to each method. The archaeological witnesses, taken from surveys carried out on the sites where the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” live, contradict the oral testimonies, given by these same populations through interviews, directive and semi-directive, guided by a questionnaire. A comparative study of qualitative and quantitative data makes it possible to verify the hypotheses put forward. The theoretical approach acquired to the cause of disorganization and opposed to the terminism of ends makes it possible to discuss the a priori organization of cultural facts and the accomplishment of reserved goals.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon)

AU  - Protais Pamphile Patrice Medjo
Y1  - 2024/08/30
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13
T2  - International Journal of Archaeology
JF  - International Journal of Archaeology
JO  - International Journal of Archaeology
SP  - 34
EP  - 48
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7595
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13
AB  - The reading of the transformations recorded in the material equipment of disappeared societies still remains largely inspired by the dogma of materialism. This inclines inferences, in archaeology, to systematically deduce evolutionary stages on a double level, chronological and economic, from the material remains of technological changes only. However, the unpredictable experience of human societies can often reveal situations that contradict the established inferential model. Such a reality therefore poses the problem of searching for an approach capable of achieving balance in the possible equation between the experience of human societies and the methodological means implemented to account for it. The question therefore remains to know whether data collected and explained in a methodological approach specific to a discipline always reproduce the improbable nature of the reality of human societies, both living and extinct? Thus, ethnographic, qualitative data and archaeological facts are do they still agree regarding the current experience of life of the Bakola-Bayéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon, since the 1990s? The hypothesis supports: data collected according to the orthodoxy of techniques specific to dissociated disciplinary fields, in a conventional manner, can contradict each other on the same fact. The complexity of the reality of human societies escapes the specific filter of conceptual and methodological practices characteristic of the disciplines that separate techniques specific to each method. The archaeological witnesses, taken from surveys carried out on the sites where the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” live, contradict the oral testimonies, given by these same populations through interviews, directive and semi-directive, guided by a questionnaire. A comparative study of qualitative and quantitative data makes it possible to verify the hypotheses put forward. The theoretical approach acquired to the cause of disorganization and opposed to the terminism of ends makes it possible to discuss the a priori organization of cultural facts and the accomplishment of reserved goals.

VL  - 12
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Protais Pamphile Patrice Medjo

Department of History and Heritage Conservation, Faculty of Arts Letters and Humanities, University of Ebolowa, Ebolowa, Cameroon; Department of Arts, Technology and Heritage, Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dschang, Foumban, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0002-6974-9063

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Medjo, P. P. P. (2024). The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon). International Journal of Archaeology, 12(2), 34-48. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Medjo, P. P. P. The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon). Int. J. Archaeol. 2024, 12(2), 34-48. doi: 10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Medjo PPP. The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon). Int J Archaeol. 2024;12(2):34-48. doi: 10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13,
  author = {Protais Pamphile Patrice Medjo},
  title = {The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon)
},
  journal = {International Journal of Archaeology},
  volume = {12},
  number = {2},
  pages = {34-48},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ija.20241202.13},
  abstract = {The reading of the transformations recorded in the material equipment of disappeared societies still remains largely inspired by the dogma of materialism. This inclines inferences, in archaeology, to systematically deduce evolutionary stages on a double level, chronological and economic, from the material remains of technological changes only. However, the unpredictable experience of human societies can often reveal situations that contradict the established inferential model. Such a reality therefore poses the problem of searching for an approach capable of achieving balance in the possible equation between the experience of human societies and the methodological means implemented to account for it. The question therefore remains to know whether data collected and explained in a methodological approach specific to a discipline always reproduce the improbable nature of the reality of human societies, both living and extinct? Thus, ethnographic, qualitative data and archaeological facts are do they still agree regarding the current experience of life of the Bakola-Bayéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon, since the 1990s? The hypothesis supports: data collected according to the orthodoxy of techniques specific to dissociated disciplinary fields, in a conventional manner, can contradict each other on the same fact. The complexity of the reality of human societies escapes the specific filter of conceptual and methodological practices characteristic of the disciplines that separate techniques specific to each method. The archaeological witnesses, taken from surveys carried out on the sites where the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” live, contradict the oral testimonies, given by these same populations through interviews, directive and semi-directive, guided by a questionnaire. A comparative study of qualitative and quantitative data makes it possible to verify the hypotheses put forward. The theoretical approach acquired to the cause of disorganization and opposed to the terminism of ends makes it possible to discuss the a priori organization of cultural facts and the accomplishment of reserved goals.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon)

AU  - Protais Pamphile Patrice Medjo
Y1  - 2024/08/30
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13
T2  - International Journal of Archaeology
JF  - International Journal of Archaeology
JO  - International Journal of Archaeology
SP  - 34
EP  - 48
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7595
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ija.20241202.13
AB  - The reading of the transformations recorded in the material equipment of disappeared societies still remains largely inspired by the dogma of materialism. This inclines inferences, in archaeology, to systematically deduce evolutionary stages on a double level, chronological and economic, from the material remains of technological changes only. However, the unpredictable experience of human societies can often reveal situations that contradict the established inferential model. Such a reality therefore poses the problem of searching for an approach capable of achieving balance in the possible equation between the experience of human societies and the methodological means implemented to account for it. The question therefore remains to know whether data collected and explained in a methodological approach specific to a discipline always reproduce the improbable nature of the reality of human societies, both living and extinct? Thus, ethnographic, qualitative data and archaeological facts are do they still agree regarding the current experience of life of the Bakola-Bayéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon, since the 1990s? The hypothesis supports: data collected according to the orthodoxy of techniques specific to dissociated disciplinary fields, in a conventional manner, can contradict each other on the same fact. The complexity of the reality of human societies escapes the specific filter of conceptual and methodological practices characteristic of the disciplines that separate techniques specific to each method. The archaeological witnesses, taken from surveys carried out on the sites where the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” live, contradict the oral testimonies, given by these same populations through interviews, directive and semi-directive, guided by a questionnaire. A comparative study of qualitative and quantitative data makes it possible to verify the hypotheses put forward. The theoretical approach acquired to the cause of disorganization and opposed to the terminism of ends makes it possible to discuss the a priori organization of cultural facts and the accomplishment of reserved goals.

VL  - 12
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download