Bono Manso Rock Citadel (Adansi–Bono Hill Fort)
Bono Manso Rock Citadel · Bono Manso Adansi · Bono Hill Fort
Medieval Akan (Bono) (11th–18th c. CE)·Akan (Bono–Adansi)·🇬🇭 Bono Region, Bono Manso hinterland rock inselbergs, Adansi domes 3 km south of Bono Manso town, Ghana
About
About Bono Manso Rock Citadel (Adansi–Bono Hill Fort)
Inselberg refuge fortress of fallen Bono Manso (capital of Bono state, Akan cradle, destroyed by Asante 1723), Adansi domes are granite bornhardt cluster (8 domes 20–40 m high) with dry-stone wall (900 m, 2–3 m) looping domes, rock shelters with white geometric art (Bono finger-painted dots, 1450 CE), iron age pits (200), and Asante siege trench (5 m wide). Bonohene Ameyaw's last stand spot; oral epic.
Why it mattersAkan state genesis and Asante siege archaeology with inselberg refuge innovation unique to Bono.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Art dating 14th vs 18th c.
- 02Siege trench spoil source
Theories
- 01Effah-Gyamfi Bono
- 02Anquandah Bono Manso
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Bono state 11th c.; rock citadel 14th c.; siege 1723 Asante destruction
- Period
- Medieval Akan (Bono) (11th–18th c. CE)
- Culture
- Akan (Bono–Adansi)
- Builders
- Akan (Bonohene)
- Purpose
- Akan cradle inselberg fortress and post-siege refuge landscape
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
11th c. CE
Bono state founded at Bono Manso
14th c. CE
Rock citadel domes walled
1723 CE
Asante siege and Bono Manso destruction, refuge in domes
On the ground
Structures & features
7.7420° N · 1.8200° W · 380 m · 2 mapped features
Dry-Stone Dome Circuit Wall
wall900 m wall linking 8 granites, 2–3 m high, gate between domes 2 m
7.7430° N · 1.8190° WWhite Dot Art Shelters
rock art12 shelters with Bono finger white dots and iron pit offering
7.7410° N · 1.8210° W