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Re-excavation at Nguruni Site in Kilwa Kisiwani
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2006) Sasi, Emmanuel
This dissertation is about excavation conducted at Nguruni site in Kilwa so as to establish a cultural sequence. Such a cultural sequence is then used to explain pre-Islamic culture and cultural processes that took place during Holocene epoch along the East African coast. The main objective of the study was to investigate the cultural traditions that occur at Nguruni sites including examination of the occurrence of Neolithic cultural materials. Emphasis was put on Neolithic Culture since it is the culture, which has brought controversy amongst scholars. Based on both survey and excavation results this study has established a cultural sequence at Kilwa Kisiwani confirming pre-Islamic settlements similar to those established elsewhere in the Great Rift Valley region and adjacent areas. Middle Stone Age, Later Stone Age, Neolithic, Early Iron Working. Triangular incised ware and Swahili cultural materials recovered at Ngurumi site give evidence on a continuity of successful populations from Stone Age along the East African coast. This contrasts with such scholars as Neville Chittack who asserted that the 10th century was the date for the beginning of settlements along the East African coast and identified that all Swahili settlements of post 9th century were Arabo-persian.