Archaeological approaches to East Africa's changing seascapes

Authors: Breen, Colin; Lane, Paul

Source: World Archaeology, Volume 35, Number 3, December 2003 , pp. 469-489(21)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The East African coast has a relatively uniform topography and environment but has been witness to a complex mosaic of human and cultural influences. This paper examines these influences from a chronological and theoretical perspective over the last 2500 years and argues that increased attention should be paid to the sea and its influence on and role in past cultural activity. Such an approach would build on and complement the existing 'Swahili' or coastal archaeology research traditions which are vibrant along this littoral. A selected case study on the historic port town of Mombasa examines the relationship of its varied temporal settlements with the sea and looks at the integrated approaches to maritime research which have recently been undertaken there.

Keywords: East Africa; maritime; coastal; Swahili; Mombasa

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0043824042000185838

Publication date: 2003-12-01

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