Cultural and trade practices in Sincu Bara (Senegal): a multi-proxy investigation

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 561 - 568
• Main Authors: Hatté, Christine, Saliège, Jean-François, Senasson, Delphine, Bocoum, Hamady
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Africa; Central and West Africa; Continental interfaces, environment; Iron Age; Metal Ages; Ocean, Atmosphere; Pottery; Prehistory and protohistory; Radiocarbon; Sciences of the Universe; Senegal; Iron Age; Senegal; West Africa; Africa; Pottery; Radiocarbon; Iron Age; Senegal; Trade; Isotope; Analysis; Ceramics; Dating
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2009.10.020

The Sincu Bara site in Senegal is one of the most famous archeological sites in Western Africa. Here we present the results of a multi-proxy study that combined microscopic analyses, carbon content, stable carbon isotope (δ 13C) and radiocarbon ( 14C) measurements. This investigation exhibits a chronological framework in two phases: from 400 yr AD to 650 yr AD and 650 yr AD to 900 yr AD. Furthermore, it shows that besides basic potteries, some potsherds are notable for a temper exclusively made with human-harvested C4 plants. Finally, the 14C analysis performed on the organic slip strongly indicates the use of bitumen or bitumen-derived products for red slip preparation. This suggests the establishment of trade relationships with Nigerian and/or Trans-Saharan populations as early as 400 yr AD.