The site of Ras Mkumbuu (located at the end of a peninsula in Pemba Island along the East African coast) has shown remains of timber and stone mosques. Two phases of occupation have been identified: first, between the 10th and 12th centuries CE and second, between the 14th and 16th centuries CE. Archaeological excavations in Ras Mkumbuu revealed that during the first phase of occupation, there were a series of timber buildings with clay floors, hearths and associated middens, a stone mosque sequence, and another stone building. These were represented by building mounds and abundant domestic deposits, suggesting the site was founded by Muslims. Numerous stone houses and the range of materials excavated in Ras Mkumbuu confirms broad trade connections and is suggestive of an important merchant town. However, substantial erosion has led to the loss of thousands of metres of land since the 10th century.
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Ruins of a building in Ras Mkuumbu
© Muhammed Yussuf Khamis -
Friday mosque in Ras Mkuumbu
© Mark Horton
A great mosque identified in the ruins of Ras Mkumbuu was for some time the largest structure of its type in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sources
1. Horton M. C. and Clark C. M. (1985) Archaeological Survey of Zanzibar, Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa [Link]
2. Wynne-Jones S. and LaViolette A. J. (2017). The Swahili World. Routledge.