In the last few years, archaeological investigations carried out at mid-first millennium BC settlement site of Zilum, Nigeria, have integrated magnetic survey, a geophysical technique, as an additional source information. Amongst other results, survey revealed presence feature that encloses entire area. Excavations show this consists ditch. Dimensions and shape suggest its function was to restrict access settlement. Although direct evidence is missing, ditch most probably accompanied by...

Abstract

In the last decades, geophysical methods such as magnetic survey have become a common technique for prospecting archaeological sites. At sub-Saharan sites, however, and correlated techniques never came into broad use there are no signs an immediate change of this situation. This paper examines undertaken on Nigerian site Zilum, settlement Gajiganna Culture (ca 1800-400 BC) located in Chad Basin dated to ca 600-400 BC. By means present case study, we demonstrate significance particular type...

Compared to other world regions, the employment of archaeological geophysics in Sub-Saharan Africa has been particularly modest. By reviewing few published case studies from last fifty years, this paper emphasises contributions geophysical surveying field research so far, while also addressing major changes its practice through time. It is argued that methods are essential tools for enhancing visibility continent, opening up new perspectives understanding and interpreting sites. expected...

L’histoire de la région du lac Tchad est intrinsèquement liée à celle l’empire Kanem-Borno (viiie-xixe siècle après J.-C.), l’État le plus ancien, durable et puissant Soudan central. Cette réussite politique résultait en grande partie des relations économiques culturelles que avait naguère établies avec régions africaines ou moins éloignées. Si les historiens sont conscients liens très lointains a entretenus au début l’Afrique Nord et, tard, quelques l’Ouest, ses orientales telles Darfour...

Abstract Within the scope of a short-term pilot study, authors conducted trial geophysical surveys at two sites late Holocene food-producing Kintampo Complex (ca. 2100-1400 BC ) in northern Ghana. Overall goal research was an evaluation potential employing prospecting to map subsurface extent open-air settlements. From archaeological viewpoint, results were satisfactory but not outstanding view post-depositional disturbances locations. Based on that knowledge, we argue for need developing...

The Archaeology of Fazzān: Volume 3, Excavation C.M. Daniels by David J. Mattingly (ed.), London, Society for Libyan Studies, and Tripoli, Department Antiquities, 2010, xxvi + 574 pp., £6...

One of the most intriguing problems concerning Kanem-Borno sultanate central Sahel between eighth and nineteenth centuries AD concerns its early intra-African connections. Apart from historically documented linkages with North parts West Africa, were there trade other contacts eastern regions such as Darfur, Middle Nile Valley areas beyond prior to fifteenth century? Addressing results recent archaeological field research conducted in Kanem, Chad, this paper lays foundations an answer that...

Contrairement aux recherches sur son histoire, les archéologiques dans la région tchadienne du Kanem n’ont commencé que très récemment. À l’heure actuelle, vestiges matériels plus remarquables sont ruines de sites en briques cuites destinés élites, dont certains manifestement associés au sultanat Kanem-Borno et datés période xie xive siècle notre ère. Parmi ceux-ci, le lieu nommé Tié se distingue par un certain nombre d’attributs particuliers. Composé d’une enceinte d’environ 3,2 hectares,...

Abstract Chemical analysis of glass from African archaeological sites has become a standard research tool over the past decades. Despite multiplication studies, continent still exhibits vast unexplored regions. One these is surroundings Lake Chad. This paper discusses results LA‐ICP‐MS recently excavated beads late medieval Chadian site Tié. We demonstrate that composition those largely matches assemblages along East coast. indicates most examined entered region via hitherto undocumented...