Seeing red: geophysical survey and the spaces of Songo Mnara.

This paper presents the results of geophysical survey carried out over the open areas of the stonetown of Songo Mnara, a site that is relatively well preserved and has had very little modern contamination. These conditions provide an ideal opportunity to use geophysical techniques to explore the use of space, and the boundaries of anthropogenic activities within and outside of a Swahili town. A combined geophysical approach was taken using both fluxgate magnetometer and electro-magnetic survey. The results identified specific regions of activity including town boundaries, and areas of iron working. However, the most striking feature of the results was the reoccurring
presence of circular anomalies seen within the open spaces between buildings. Field investigation coupled with geoarchaeological and environmental evidence has found a direct correlation between these areas and patches of red soil present on the site. It is thought likely that these are linked to anthropogenic activity, and a possible indication that open spaces were being specifically used and managed. The initial geophysical survey results from Songo Mnara will be discussed along with the potential for the use of these techniques to further enhance our understanding of the use of space within Swahili stonetowns on the Kilwa archipelago.