The Use of Tribal Marks in Archaeological and Historical Reconstruction: Isale Abandoned Settlement as a Case Study

Abstract

The paper examines the importance of tribal marks in archaeological and historical reconstruction. Isale was occupied by the inhabitants of Old Oyo before it was abandoned. However, the marks on the cheeks of the occupants and their descendants show that originally, their ancestors were Oyo people though they claim to be Egba. This paper shows the use of tribal marks in trying to trace the original home land of the occupants of the settlement before it was abandoned.

Keywords: Isale,Old Oyo,Tribal marks,Oduduwa,Idere,Egba,Akanni