Ile de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7
Ile de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7 North Annex · Ile Site
Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇸🇳 Dakar, Gorée, Senegal
About
About Ile de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7
Ile de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7 in Dakar, Gorée, Senegal is a Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE) tumulus attributed to Bronze Age. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal mound diameter 45 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 14.6680N -17.3980E controls access to Dakar resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey tumulus for Dakar, Gorée, illustrating Bronze Age construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1800 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Elite burial mound with chamber and earthen tumulus
- Rediscovered
- 1998 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 1800 BCE
Initial construction of Ile de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7 main structure
c. 1938
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1998–2013
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Ile de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
14.6680° N · 17.3980° W · 346 m · 4 mapped features
Ile de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tumulus — Mound diameter 45 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
14.6688° N · 17.3971° WIle de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
14.6670° N · 17.3987° WIle de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
14.6695° N · 17.3968° WIle de Gorée Precolonial Shell Midden 7 — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
14.6664° N · 17.3991° W