RVN Webinar Series - The renewed archaeological research & new discoveries in Singida region
Channel: Rift Valley Network
Date: 2023-02-15

-Note: This talk has not gone through a process of peer review, and 
findings should therefore be treated as preliminary and subject to change.
-How to cite: Itambu, Makarius. 2023. The renewed archaeological research & new discoveries in Singida region (Central Tanzania). Talk Given at Rift Valley Webinar Series 08/02/2023.
-DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7643764
-Abstract: The Singida Region in Tanzania’s central plateaus is one of the regions in Tanzania with many but undocumented historical and archaeological sites. The region itself is characteristically composed of dazzling granitoid rock shelters with extraordinary rock art sites; together with the Dodoma Region; and especially the Kondoa Irangi, and Usandawe areas, they form a famous belt in central Tanzania with iconic and diversified rock art sites. Also, the region is a key locale and a one-of-a-kind resource for inquiries into the emergence of modern human cognition from the Middle Stone Age (MSA) period to the present time. Our field research which was undertaken between 2021-2022 in Ikungi District, located more than 30 archaeological sites; whereby we excavated two open- air (Nkungi &amp; Ifoneo) and one rock shelter (Itramuka)-from which archaeological excavations exposed well-stratified cultural sequences encompassing lithics, ceramics and metallurgical remains, as well as human remains and animal bones. However, no deliberate efforts that have been directed towards revitalizing the heritage resources of this region to boost cultural tourism. Nevertheless, community engagement in management efforts, conservation and preservation of the historic and archaeological sites of this area have not put in place by various studies. We documented the potential historic and archaeological sites that could be developed for tourism in the region. Thus, this talk calls for a major push towards revitalization of heritage resources conservation and management by actively engaging the local communities in archaeological research because they are truly traditional landowners.
-For more, visit Makarius's page at: https://www.shh.mpg.de/person/111355/2189191