Definition: The archaeological site of Shanga is located on an island in the Lamu archipelago off the coast of Kenya in eastern Africa. The first buildings at Shanga consisted of wood timbered enclosure around a well, ceremonial buildings and craft workshops, with wood houses built outside of the enclosure.
Occupied between 750 and 825 AD, the site was an important Islamic trading town on the eastern Swahili coast, earlier than the other Swahili coast trading centers of Kilwa Kisiwani or Gedi.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology.
Occupied between 750 and 825 AD, the site was an important Islamic trading town on the eastern Swahili coast, earlier than the other Swahili coast trading centers of Kilwa Kisiwani or Gedi.
Sources
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology.
