The archeology of post medieval Timbuktu

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Periodical article

Title:	The archeology of post medieval Timbuktu
Author:	Insoll, Timothy
Year:	2001
Periodical:	Sahara: Prehistory and History of the Sahara
Volume:	13
Pages:	7-22
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Mali
Subjects:	archaeology archaeological artefacts urban history
Abstract:	Timbuktu (Mali) has only recently begun to be investigated systematically through archaeological research. This paper presents the results of a programme of trial excavations which was conducted in several parts of Timbuktu in September 1998. These excavations recovered assemblages of various types of archaelogical material - pottery, tobacco pipes, beads, bracelets, metal and glass objects, shells, and spindle whorls. The results of the excavations, though limited in scale, give an insight into postmedieval Timbuktu. The article discusses the findings and places them in the context of the history of the city and its trade relations between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. The article makes suggestions for further excavations which might shed light on the origins of Timbuktu. Bibliogr., sum. in English, Italian and French. [Journal abstract, edited]