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Historical archaeology in sub-Saharan Africa—A review

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Abstract

Relatively few historical archaeology projects have been carried out in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet the area presents a wide variety of research potentialities from both historical and theoretical viewpoints. Various definitions of historical archaeology and their application to Africa are examined, and the research undertaken thus far is reviewed. Previous work has largely focused on the larger fortified sites of 15th to 19th century European construction. On the East African Coast archaeolological fieldwork has also been carried out on Islamic sites where limited documentation is provided by Arabic writings. Directions for future research are discussed, including the possibility of examining the socio—cultural background of the African diaspora. Particular stress is placed on the necessity for intensified regional studies, cognizant of the contacts between well documented historical sites and the villages and resource areas with which they interacted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA, 90024

    Merrick Posnansky (Director)

  2. Department of Archaeology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, P.O. Box 3

    Christopher R. Decorse (Lecturer)

Authors
  1. Merrick Posnansky
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  2. Christopher R. Decorse
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Posnansky, M., Decorse, C.R. Historical archaeology in sub-Saharan Africa—A review. Hist Arch 20, 1–14 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03374057

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