Reassessing Biblical Archaeology through an Afrocentric Perspective
An Intercultural Study of Qumran Caves, Israel, and West African Rock Shelters
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Abstract
This study aims to critically reassess the archaeological discoveries at Qumran Caves, Israel, and selected West African rock shelters with an Afrocentric perspective. It highlights the value of caves/rock shelters as ancient cultural spaces. Previous studies have shown the significance of the Qumran caves, but none has been written from an Afrocentric perspective, and while scholars have investigated the signal roles of rock shelters in West Africa, they have not been discussed in a cross-cultural context with the Middle East. The study adopts a polymethodic approach incorporating physical participation in archaeological excavations in West Africa and Israel. It also includes a literature review. Data collation was primarily through field-based archaeological recoveries in Israel and West Africa and relevant literature. Analysis of data was done by physical examination of artefacts and review of published research. Theoretically, the study adopts an Afrocentric intercultural perspective, which offers a rigorous theoretical basis which provides a more inclusive and contextual approach. While noting differences, the study reveals similar cultural attributes, convergences in site functions, and artefact symbolism, serving as loci for ritual services, communal identity, and social gathering in both regions. It also notes differences in cultural contexts. By foregrounding data from West Africa and Qumran, the study calls for integration of biblical archaeology into West African educational curricula and intercultural study of West Africa and the Middle East. Building on this study, future research should consider the relevance of intercultural archaeological study of West Africa and the Middle East.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tubi, Paul-Kolade, Ibrahim Joel, Dauji-Ekpu, Zankawon Mercy (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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