ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE PRE-COLONIAL ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOOD OF THE MWAGAVUL

This article examines the pre-colonial economy of the Mwaghavul people of Plateau State, Central Nigeria, with the aim of highlighting their indigenous knowledge and contributing to the broader understanding of African Traditional Knowledge among the Jos Plateau communities. The study explores key aspects of the Mwaghavul people’s livelihoods, production processes, and economic activities, and how these shaped social and intergroup relations with neighboring communities, including the Montol, Ngoemai, Merniyang, Gwandara, Koro, Alago, Ngas, Ntal, Chip, Mupun, Ron, Mushere, Pyem, Berom, Afizere, and groups from the Bauchi area. Employing an exploratory research design, data were collected through oral interviews, participant observations of craft production processes, and secondary sources. Findings indicate that the pre-colonial economic practices of the Mwaghavul people established the foundation for both colonial and contemporary economic structures in the region. The study underscores the significance of indigenous economic systems in shaping social organization, intergroup relations, and cultural continuity