Africa's earliest bananas?

• Authors : Lejju, B.J.; Robertshaw, P.; Taylor, D.


• Document type : Journal article


• Year of publication : 2006


• Journal title : Journal of Archaeological Science


• Volume (number) : 33 (1)




• Pages : 102-113


• Peer-reviewed : Yes


• ISSN : 0305-4403; 1095-9238


• Language(s) : English


• Abstract : The recent discovery of banana phytoliths dating to the first millennium BC in Cameroon has ignited debate about the timing of the introduction of this important food crop to Africa. This paper presents new phytolith evidence obtained from one of three sediment cores from a swamp at Munsa, Uganda, that appears to indicate the presence of bananas (Musa) at this site during the fourth millennium BC. This discovery is evaluated in the light of existing knowledge of phytolith taphonomy, the history of Musa, ancient Indian Ocean trade and African prehistory.


• Keywords : PLANT INTRODUCTION; UGANDA; AFRICA; PHYTOLITHS; ARCHAEOBOTANY


• Open access : No


• Document on publisher's site : View article on publisher's site


• Musalit document ID : IN060080

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