Rescue archaeology at open-air sites around the University of Dodoma, central Tanzania
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Archaeological Bulletin
Abstract
A team of researchers from the University of Dodoma conducted a
rescue study involving systematic and random land walkover
surveys, interviews and group discussions with elders, and minimal
excavations around the periphery of the institution. Findings indicate
the existence of two traditions that are temporally separated by
thousands of years. The lithic artefacts, analysed through a technologi-
cal-attribute approach, suggest an older tradition that belongs to the
Middle Stone Age prepared Levalloisian core technology that we
estimate to have occurred between 60 and 50 ka. The cores were
knapped in a unidirectional fashion using hard hammer to produce
flakes or blades. The younger materials represent a civilisation of
peasant farmers and probably pastoralists, the cause of whose disap-
pearance is still unknown. According to oral history, these were the
Wambambali people whose disappearance may have been a result of
recurrent famines. This civilisation is represented by remains of
pottery and of deserted settlements and buildings. Most of the pottery
is in pieces (c. 86%) identified to be body parts, while others (c. 14%)
represent rims, necks, and shoulders. The buildings were constructed
using thatch and daub and they were likely burnt before settling in to
solidify the structures. This research represents an important opportu-
nity and has convinced us to now call on authorities and other stake-
holders to ensure the protection of the cultural heritage through
emphasising impact assessment studies prior to any destructive
project.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
escue archaeology, University of Dodoma, central Tanzania, lithics/Levallois technology, pottery, Wambambali civilisation