Later prehistoric cultures of Isimila Site of Iringa region Tanzania

Isimila site is among the earliest sites of southern Tanzania to receive researchers attention (Willoughby, 1990) researcher’s interest was based on technological and historical aspects of human past during early Stone Age (Howell,et al. 1962) Isimila site is well known following several archaeological and paleontological researchers that had been conducted within the site. Hence, it has been defined only on the basis of site content with regardless of the landscape around the site. Thus, Isimila site was interpreted as a late Acheulian site (Hansen and Keller, 1971; Howell, et Al, 1962). This study intended to provide a detailed enlightening account of cultural traditions post-dated to Acheualian techno-complex of Isimila site basing on its surrounding areas. In addition, the study provides an examination of spatial and temporal variations of later prehistoric cultures in the area. The temporal aspect of cultural materials remains for this dissertation did not involve dating but rather, based on relative dating from other cultural materials found within Iringa region and other parts of Tanzania. Data presented and analyzed were obtained through multiple methods including survey and test excavations. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed in this study. The study revealed that Isimila site consists of different later prehistoric cultural materials after Acheualian techno-complex to include: Middle Stone Age (MSA) Late Stone Age (LSA) Iron Age (IA) and Modern Settlement. The post-Acheulian cultural materials were recovered through reconnaissance survey and excavations. Spatially, cultural materials were found in abundant in the southern , Eastern and Western part of Isimila. Temporal aspects of Isimila site suggest that Isimila is not just a Stone Age site. But represents the landscape, which was adapted by various cultural groups over time represented by distinctive cultural traditions. The study provides a compleehesive picture of prehistoric human’s settlements in this area. It is recommended further studies should be undertaken on this area to ascertain further comprehensive data including absolute dates for better understanding of prehistoric human cultures and technology over time and space in Iringa region.