Same Buildings Different Models: Further Studies in Ijo Vernacular Base Camp Architecture

Warebi Gabriel Brisibe,Owajionyi Lysias Frank

doi:10.11648/j.ijaaa.20190502.13

Abstract

This study examines architectural change of cultures stemming from the same ethnic source split between their homeland and other Diasporas. This change may range from minor deviations to drastic shifts away from an architectural norm and the accumulation of these shifts within a time frame constitutes variations. Based on fieldwork data obtained from an earlier study of 33 migrant fishing base camps in Bayelsa and Bakassi, this paper focuses on identifying variations between base camp dwellings of Ijo migrant fishermen, in the Bakassi Peninsula in Cameroon and Bayelsa State in Nigeria. The research uses a socio-cultural, comparative case study approach to investigate the specifics of base camp dwelling designs. This approach gives opportunities to explore the extent of the variations between the built forms, in response to internal and external forces of cultural dynamism. The qualitative methodology adopted focused on ascertaining variations through exterior evaluation of the design features, materials and construction process of the base camp dwellings. The study draws on the idea of the inevitability of cultural and social change over time to test for possibilities of variations as proposed in the theories of cultural dynamism and evolution. The findings suggest that some levels of variations between base camps models have occurred over time thus supporting the aforementioned theory and this change is attributable to an agglomeration of factors, rather than a single factor.

Highlights

Migration is a common socio-economic activity in the lifestyle of artisanal fishermen of Ijo ethnic origin
The Ijos are one of 10 prominent migrant fishing tribes in the West African sub-region and the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. They migrate to different locations along the inshore rivers and coastline of Nigeria and beyond following the movement of certain species of fish
This has contributed in spreading their population among other regions in Nigeria and Africa. Their ancestral homeland has been traced to a large community in the central Niger Delta area of Nigeria currently in Bayelsa State, considered to be the ancestral home of the Ijos

Summary

Introduction

Migration is a common socio-economic activity in the lifestyle of artisanal fishermen of Ijo ethnic origin. The Ijos are one of 10 prominent migrant fishing tribes in the West African sub-region and the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria They migrate to different locations along the inshore rivers and coastline of Nigeria and beyond following the movement of certain species of fish. This has contributed in spreading their population among other regions in Nigeria and Africa Their ancestral homeland has been traced to a large community in the central Niger Delta area of Nigeria currently in Bayelsa State, considered to be the ancestral home of the Ijos. Openness of the borders of the territorial waters between coastal countries in West and Central Africa were identified as the key factor that makes such international migration possible [2] In both forms of migration, one main dwelling and a number of satellite dwellings are established. The main dwelling is known as the base camp from which they travel and establish the other satellite camps following the movement of the fish shoals

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion