Compiled with an Introduction Part Ii. Perspectives from Historical Archaeology in Africa 2. Historical Archaeology in Sub-saharan Africa --a Review

This introduction chapter addresses historical trends in African diaspora archaeology over the past several decades, assesses ongoing debates in theories, research questions, and interpretative frameworks, and provides an overview of the selected readings included in this volume. [pp. 1-25] Part II. Perspectives from Historical Archaeology in Africa 2. Historical Archaeology in Sub-Saharan Africa -A Review Merrick Posnansky and Christopher R. Decorse Abstract: Relatively few historical archaeology projects have been carried out in SubSaharan Africa, yet the area presents a wide variety of research potentialities from both historical and theoretical viewpoints. Various definitions of historical archaeology and their application to Africa are examined, and the research undertaken thus far is reviewed. Previous work has largely focused on the larger fortified sites of 15th to 19th century European construction. On the East African Coast archaeological fieldwork has also been carried out on Islamic sites where limited documentation is provided by Arabic writings. Directions for future research are discussed, including the possibility of examining the sociocultural background of the African diaspora. Particular stress is Relatively few historical archaeology projects have been carried out in SubSaharan Africa, yet the area presents a wide variety of research potentialities from both historical and theoretical viewpoints. Various definitions of historical archaeology and their application to Africa are examined, and the research undertaken thus far is reviewed. Previous work has largely focused on the larger fortified sites of 15th to 19th century European construction. On the East African Coast archaeological fieldwork has also been carried out on Islamic sites where limited documentation is provided by Arabic writings. Directions for future research are discussed, including the possibility of examining the sociocultural background of the African diaspora. Particular stress is