Who were the makers of Engaruka techno-cultural Complex? Testing the Sonjo hypothesis

The study aimed at identifying the makers of Engaruka techno-cultural complex by testing the Sonjo hypothesis. Sonjo is among few ethnic groups, along with the Maasai, Iraqw, Tatoga and Sukuma that have been associated with the making of Engaruka. To accomplish this task, the study centered on four specific objectives: (i) To examine the Sonjo agro-technological culture back to the 18th century; (ii) To compare and contrast the Sonjo agro-technology with that of Engaruka techno-cultural complex; (iii) To identify other possible cultural linkages between the two cultures especially as expressed in pottery traditions and stone structures; and (iv) To quantify the relationship between Engaruka and Sonjoland and draw conclusions as to whether the Sonjo were responsible for Engaruka Techno-Cultural Complex or not. The study was guided by two hypotheses: First, the Sonjo were the makers of the Engaruka Techno-cultural complex. The following were the test implications. (i) The terraces of Engaruka resemble the current terraces of the Sonjo in orientation, measurement, material context, and materials used for manufacture; (ii) Pottery technologies of Engaruka (form, decoration, firing and tempering) resemble that of the Sonjo; and (iii) The stone structures of the Sonjo resemble those of Engaruka in measurement, style and material used. Second, the Sonjo were not the makers of the Engaruka techno-cultural complex. Test implications were as well, negations of the former. Methods used in data retrieval were archaeological survey, oral interview, observation and excavation. The materials recovered included stone structures, pottery, imported beads, metal objects, fire places, and irrigation systems. The results from the study revealed that the Sonjowere the most likely makers of Engaruka techno-cultural complex, hence the riddle on who really made the Engaruka has been by and large solved.