Archaeological investigation early triangular incised ware site at Bwembweni, Kaole, Bagamoyo

This dissertation is about archaeological investigation of Bwembweni Kaole early Triangular Incised Ware site. This site is located 2 kilometers south of Kaole Ruins. The site was found in survey that was conducted in June-July 2000 by Professor Felix Chami from University of Dar es Salaam and hypothesized the existence of early Triangular Incised Ware tradition. The major objective was to check his hypothesis and to explore more about this pre-Swahili site. This work has identified that, the site of Bwembweni Kaole has early Triangular Incised pottery tradition. This is the early Triangular Incised Ware site since it has potsherds which have both characteristics of Early Iron working as well as elements of Triangular Incised Ware tradition. However many potsherds have triangular motifisas the main decoration although they still maintain some Early elements such as thick rims, clear bevels as well as flutes. These potsherds have been discovered through excavation, the main technique that has been used in this study. Apart from Kaole hills and Kaole Ruins that have been studied and proved to have the occupation of 8th and 12th century AD respectively, this study has indicated that Bwembweni has been occupied since 6th century AD. So this is an ancestral site to Kaole hill as well as Kaole ruins. By this work, Bagamoyo is now established to have been occupied from about 6th century AD.