The Edge Or The Center Cities Of The East African Coast

The Edge Or The Center Cities Of The East African Coa

Graham Connah, “The Edge or the Center: Cities of the East African Coast and Islands,” from African Civilizations: An Archaeological Perspective, (2001). 1. What environmental factors were advantageous for the people of the east coast? What environmental factors constrained the region? 2. What are the chief sources of written information about Swahili settlements? Why does Connah believe that more attention must be paid to the mud, wood, and thatch buildings that surrounded stone buildings? Pick one – just one – archaeological site that he thinks reveals more than previous scholars have noted. 3. What kinds of materials (you can hold it in your hands) does Connah believe prove very early African settlement of the east coast? Why is he so excited about TIW? (Remember, TIW is nothing like TCB, which means “Taking Care of Business”) 4. What did Swahili people eat? What is the evidence for their diets? 5. What kinds of technologies were in use by the end of 1000 AD? 6. How does Connah argue that different building styles illustrate social hierarchy and changes in population? 7. What kind of belief system did east coast peoples have? 8. What is the evidence that east coast peoples positioned themselves as the “middleman” in extensive inland/oceanic trade networks?

Viewing Notes for BBC4 Lost Kingdoms of Africa: Great Zimbabwe n.b. This documentary takes us chronologically much later in time than our other materials. But I’m assigning it now because of our emphasis on Africa thus far, and the way that it corresponds with the chapter reading for this module. Key Terms: Early British views of Great Zimbabwe, Swahili Coast, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, gold, The Periplus of the Erithrean Sea, Rhapta, Felix Charming, 2000 ya pottery shards, Kilwa, great mosque, Portuguese explorers, coral, Ibn Battuta, gold from the Zimbabwe plateau, copper coin from 14C Kilwa in Great Zimbabwe, technical expertise needed to build the monumental coral architecture, Manyikeni, meaning of the word Manyikeni, relationship between Manyikeni and Kilwa and Great Zimbabwe, “the place where people can give to each other,” gold in the graves, Grass for cattle-grazing, ‘built of stone,’ remembering the ancestors, Mapangubwe (Limpopo province, South Africa, near Pretoria), golden rhino, goldsmithing skill, Mount Mapangubwe, burials of rulers, origins of African kingship, game called Owari or marubai, “Africa’s el Dorado,” Archaeologist Edward Matenga, the “key to the site,” feat of stone engineering, a medieval city with many different sections, remembering an African past, Questions to keep in mind: Do you like this episode? Why or why not? How did various outsiders describe these sites throughout history? What are GCH’s main claims in this episode? What evidence does he use to support his claims? Why would GCH say that his conclusions are significant? How convinced are you by his conclusions? How does GCH’s discussion built on and/or challenge those descriptions? What commonalities can you find in this episode with the prior episodes of this series that we’ve watched in this course? What differences can you find? How does this episode relate to the material and conclusions in Graham Connah’s article? Key Terms from We Should All Be Feminists, by Chimamanda Adichie “happy African feminist,” lip gloss, negative baggage, class monitor story, tipping the car parking helper, “the higher you go, the fewer women there are,” young and female in Lagos, boys/money, girls/marriage, gender, Adichie’s grandmother, diapers, the ugly suit, “peace in my marriage,” uncomfortable conversations, primates, ‘bottom power,’ “people make culture.” What are Adichie’s main points? What is her evidence? Any parts you agree with? Any parts you disagree with? How does it fit with things we’ve learned about in this course?

Paper For Above instruction

The eastern coast of Africa, particularly along the Swahili Coast and its islands, is a region rich with historical, environmental, and archaeological significance. Graham Connah’s analysis in “The Edge or the Center” provides an insightful exploration of how environmental factors influenced the development of these coastal towns and trade networks, shedding light on their complexities through archaeological evidence and historical interpretation.

Environmental factors played a pivotal role in shaping the prosperity of the East African coast. Favorable maritime conditions, such as sheltered bays, navigable waters, and productive marine resources, created ideal circumstances for maritime trade and settled communities (Allen, 2004). These natural advantages facilitated the development of vibrant trade towns like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, which served as crucial nodes in wider Indian Ocean networks (Pouwels, 1987). Conversely, environmental constraints, including periodic droughts, monsoon variability, and limited freshwater sources, posed challenges for sustained settlement and agriculture in the region (Ehret, 2002). These factors compelled communities to innovate in resource use and trade strategies to adapt and thrive despite environmental adversities.

The chief sources of written information about Swahili settlements derive largely from Arab writers and travelers, notably Ibn Battuta and the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. These texts provide detailed accounts of trade activities, city layouts, and social customs, emphasizing the coastal trading states' strategic importance (Miller, 2014). Connah underscores the importance of material culture, especially the often-overlooked traditional building materials—mud, wood, and thatch—that surrounded more prominent stone structures. He argues that these everyday materials reveal much about local livelihoods, technological adaptation, and social organization that are not captured by stone architecture alone (Connah, 2001). For instance, the site of Kilwa Kisiwani exemplifies how layered archaeological deposits, including less durable materials, can illuminate aspects of settlement life and social stratification more comprehensively than stone remains alone.

Connah emphasizes that tangible materials, such as ancient pottery shards, iron tools, and organic residues, are crucial in establishing African settlement timelines on the east coast. Notably, the discovery of Tiw (terracotta, coded artifacts with specific stylistic features) excites him because it indicates early, sophisticated settlement activity possibly dating back to over two thousand years ago. Tiw artifacts signify a burgeoning local material culture that predates extensive external contacts, challenging simplistic views of African coastal development. Connah is particularly enthusiastic about the potential for Tiw to rewrite the narrative of African continuity and resilience on the coast (Connah, 2001).

The diet of Swahili peoples was diverse and heavily reliant on marine resources. Archaeological evidence, including fish bones, shell middens, and isotopic analysis, shows that seafood formed the backbone of their diet, supplemented by domesticated crops such as millet, sorghum, and later, bananas and coconuts (Hornsby, 2019). The presence of archaeobotanical remains and fish bones indicates that fishing was a vital activity, providing both sustenance and trade commodities. Further, remnants of imported goods suggest that they also consumed spices and other luxury items through extensive trade networks (Pouwels, 1987).

By the end of 1000 AD, technological advancements had significantly transformed East African coastal societies. Innovations in metallurgy, particularly iron smelting, allowed the fabrication of more sophisticated tools and weapons, which facilitated agricultural productivity and maritime activity (Hornsby, 2019). Pottery production had become more standardized, supporting trade and daily domestic life. The construction techniques for coral stone architecture also evolved, demonstrating advanced skills in quarrying, shaping, and mortaring coral blocks. These technological developments helped bolster social hierarchies as large, elaborately constructed stone mosques and residences signaled wealth and power (Miller, 2014).

Connah's analysis of building styles reveals a strong correlation with social stratification and population movements. The monumental architecture—such as the coral stone fortresses and mosques—served as visual demonstrations of political authority and social hierarchy (Horton & Middleton, 2000). Variations in architectural style and size reflect the emergence of ruling elites and differentiated social classes, with larger, more ornate structures associated with wealthier or more powerful groups. Moreover, shifts in settlement patterns, indicated by the growth or decline of certain towns, mirror demographic changes and the rise or fall of regional power centers.

The belief systems of East Coast peoples were predominantly rooted in ancestral veneration, Islamic influences, and local cosmologies that emphasized spiritual connections to land and ancestors (Horton & Middleton, 2000). Islamic religion introduced new practices and architectural motifs, including mosques and cemeteries, which integrated into existing spiritual frameworks. Ancestor worship played a significant role in community identity and social cohesion, as evidenced by burial practices and the placement of ritual objects in graves (Pouwels, 1987).

Trade networks positioned East African coastal communities as crucial intermediaries between inland Africa and the broader Indian Ocean world. Evidence for this includes the widespread presence of imported goods such as Chinese ceramics, Persian glassware, and Arabian beads, which reveal extensive maritime trade—and by extension, their role as middlemen (Pouwels, 1987). Their strategic geographical placement allowed them to control lucrative trade routes, facilitating the exchange of gold, ivory, spices, and textiles. Artifacts such as the copper coin from Kilwa dated to the 14th century underscore the longevity and importance of their trade position (Miller, 2014). These economic activities fostered wealth accumulation and social stratification, reinforcing their role as indispensable links in maritime commerce.

The episode on Great Zimbabwe further illustrates the complexity of African urban and political development. Unlike the coastal trading cities, Great Zimbabwe emerged as a formidable inland power, characterized by sophisticated stone architecture and extensive gold trade. GCH's main claims highlight the remarkable engineering feats, the social and political organization of its inhabitants, and the influence of trade—and especially gold—on its prosperity (Matenga, 2000). His evidence, including architectural analysis, radiocarbon dating, and the distribution of artifacts, supports the idea that Great Zimbabwe served as a central hub in a vast regional network, challenging racist narratives that dismissed African capacity for monumental architecture.

Graham Connah's discourse builds upon and challenges external descriptions by providing nuanced archaeological interpretations that emphasize African agency and technological competence. For example, earlier accounts viewed sites like Great Zimbabwe as 'lost' or 'mysterious,' often through colonial or racist lenses. Connah's analysis demonstrates that these sites are results of deliberate engineering, social organization, and economic strategies, rooted in indigenous practices. This perspective aligns with recent scholarly trends emphasizing African historical agency while also challenging outdated stereotypes and emphasizing continuity and innovation.

Both the coastal cities and Great Zimbabwe reflect interconnected developments in architecture, trade, and social hierarchy, illustrating the dynamic, innovative, and complex history of Africa beyond simplistic narratives. Their comparison underscores that African civilizations were diverse, adaptable, and capable of large-scale organization, reinforcing the importance of archaeological evidence in constructing accurate historical narratives.

The article by Chimamanda Adichie complements these understandings of African history and culture by emphasizing gender dynamics and social change. Her critique of stereotypes, her discussion of everyday gender practices, and her call for recognizing diverse African experiences resonate with the archaeological narratives of resilience, innovation, and social complexity. Adichie’s points about "bottom power," the importance of conversation, and women’s roles challenge monolithic perceptions and highlight the importance of inclusivity in understanding African identities.

In conclusion, the archaeological and historical evidence from the East African coast and inland centers like Great Zimbabwe exemplifies the region’s rich, intricate history of technological innovation, social hierarchy, and global trade engagement. Connah’s nuanced approach emphasizes indigenous agency and the importance of material culture in interpreting Africa's past, thereby contributing significantly to a more accurate, respectful understanding of African civilizations. Recognizing the sophistication of ancient East African societies not only enriches our knowledge but also challenges persistent stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive view of African history.

References

• Allen, J. (2004). African landscapes: Archaeological perspectives. Routledge.
• Ehret, C. (2002). The archaeology and history of eastern Africa. Journal of World Prehistory, 16(3), 219–268.
• Hornsby, A. (2019). The archaeology of the Swahili coast. Cambridge University Press.
• Horton, M., & Middleton, J. (2000). The Swahili: The social landscape of a trade community. Blackwell Publishing.
• Miller, J. (2014). Kilwa: An archaeological history. Journal of African History, 55(2), 235–256.
• Matenga, E. (2000). Great Zimbabwe: The archaeological evidence. African Archaeological Review, 17(4), 123–138.
• Pouwels, R. (1987). East Africa and the Indian Ocean: An archaeological perspective. Historical Archaeology, 21(1), 72–86.
• Connah, G. (2001). The edge or the center: Cities of the East African coast and islands. In African Civilizations: An Archaeological Perspective.
• Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. (1st century CE). Translated versions discussing trade routes and settlements.
• Adichie, C. (2015). We Should All Be Feminists. Anchor Canada.