Kenyan and Chinese archaeologists have unearthed evidence that clearly demonstrates the history of the Old Malindi kingdom. The experts announced they had come across a large ancient building built with a mixture of small stones and plastered with red earth that could date back in the 14 th century before the coming of the Portuguese. The archeologists said the style of the building was Swahili.
The archaeologists discovered more skeletons of bodies at the site near Malindi Chief’s office that showed they could have died of a fire incident that took place at home, but the victims were buried in a mass grave. Haro said the bodies were buried beside a septic tank and beside them was evidence of ashes which indicated that there could have been a disaster. “We found burnt clay, and suspect the house might have collapsed on the people,’’ he said.
National Museums of Kenya head of archeology, coast region, Jambo Haro who is leading the team of Chinese and Kenyans said “we have began discovering the Malindi Kingdom, which existed in Mid 14 th century. We intend to extend the excavation works to discover exactly what is underneath.’’
Haro said the archaeologists had discovered four human skeletons in one of the trenches being excavated. The lead researcher said some of the pottery work they recovered belonged to the Orma or Pokomo community, which showed there was a mixture of race for the people who live in the area.
The archeologists said they suspect the Swahili used to live together with nomadic people community from Tana River. Haro disclosed that it was around this that the Gala community raided the Gedi settlement and tried to conquer it. “During our excavation, we got evidence of sea animals, fish bones, cowrie shells that date back to 13 th century which was after the establishment of the Gedi settlements,’’ he said.
The excavation work ongoing is part of the second phase of the Sh200 million research projects meant to trace the ancient trade links of the Chinese along the Kenyan Coast. Haro said the excavation work started from July 18 this year and would last for 75 days.