article

The archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Journal of world prehistory • 10 (4) • Published In 1996 • Pages: 439-504

By: Insoll, Timothy.

Abstract
The spread of Islam throughout sub-Sahara Africa from 650-1900 AD is traced by geographical region, the relevant ones for this tradition being the Western Sahel (Mauritania, northern Senegal and Mali, northwestern Niger), Central Sudan (Niger, northern Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic), and West African Sudan and Forest (the remainder of West Africa south of the Sahel). Relevant archaeological evidence includes mosques, inscriptions, funerary monuments, and imported goods. The author explores the impact Islam had on the various areas and state societies, noting how they not only adopted but adapted Islamic culture and religion. The advantages for local West African rulers in dealing with Islamic traders also are discussed.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Cultural participation
Religious denominations
Missions
tradition
West African Regional Development
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry; 2022
Field Date
Not Applicable
Coverage Date
650-1900 AD
Coverage Place
sub-Saharan Africa
Notes
Timothy Insoll
Includes bibliographical references (p. 496-504)
LCCN
87655790
LCSH
West African Regional Development