Material taxonomies and beads on the East African coast, seventh-fifteenth centuries AD

Bibliographic Data

ID6041679
AuthorsWynne-Jone (0000-0002-3005-8647, Department of Archaeology, University of York, King’s Manor, York, YO1 7EP, United Kingdom, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume59
Issue4
Pages507-526
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAzania Archaeological Research in Africa (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0067-270X • E-ISSN: 1945-5534
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0067270x.2024.2412942
OpenAlexW4403979980
LanguageEN
References cited66

Beads found in assemblages from the coast of East Africa have received significant archaeological attention. Glass beads were imported in large numbers to coastal sites from Indian Ocean trade networks from at least the seventh century AD; they give an important indication of the volume and direction of trade. Beads produced locally from materials such as shell have normally been understood in the same ways, seen as objects of trade for partners within and beyond Africa. In this paper, bead evidence is instead considered as an index of local values and uses. Beads of different materials are reviewed and a more flexible approach to taxonomy is suggested, highlighting local categories of object that do not entirely align with archaeological taxonomies based on raw materials and technology. A set of skeuomorphic beads from the Tanzanian sites of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara is considered as an example of how local categories might transcend materials-based taxonomic systems

Ancient history · Archaeology · East coast · Fifteenth · Geography · Physical geography · African history and culture analysis · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Global Maritime and Colonial Histories · History

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