Recent excavations at Gao Saney (Mali): New evidence for early trade

Since 2001, excavations have been conducted in three areas to a depth of
seven meters at Gao Saney (located 8 km from the current town of Gao,
Mali). The early deposits of all the excavated units provide a series of radiocarbon
dates ranging from AD. 700- 1000. These deposits contain numerous
materials including copper, iron, beads, pottery and a considerable amount of
manufacturing debris (melted glass, iron and copper, unfinished and malformed
beads, crucibles). Chemical analyses of samples of copper and glass
show that these materials were received through regional and long distance
trade. The presence of numerous manufacturing debris shows that Gao inhabitants
were engaged in manufacturing activities. This paper will present
the result of recent research at Gao Saney with special emphasis on the development
of trade and exchange networks on the Middle Niger.