‘Natural’ or ‘Human’ Spaces? Tallensi Sacred Groves and Shrines and their Potential Implications for Aspects of Northern European Prehistory and Phenomenological Interpretation

Abstract

Within archaeology features such as sacred groves are often conceived of as ‘natural’ places. Conversely, built or constructed places such as temples or most shrines are frequently regarded as ‘human’ spaces. These categories can be blurred and this is explored with reference to ethnobotanical and archaeological data from the Tongo Hills, the epicentre of Tallensi settlement in Northern Ghana. The potential resonance of this material for aspects of European prehistory is also explored with particular reference to examples drawn from Northern Europe in relation to how phenomenological interpretations could be flawed if based upon seemingly obvious distinctions created between ‘human’ and ‘natural’.