Sine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18
Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇸🇳 Fatick, Sine-Saloum, Senegal
About
About Sine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18
Sine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18 in Fatick, Sine-Saloum, 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 13.7170N -16.5000E controls access to Fatick 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 Fatick, Sine-Saloum, 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
- 1999 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1800 BCE
Initial construction of Sine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18 main structure
c. 1939
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1999–2014
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Sine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
13.7170° N · 16.5000° W · 353 m · 3 mapped features
Sine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tumulus — Mound diameter 45 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
13.7178° N · 16.4991° WSine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
13.7160° N · 16.5007° WSine-Saloum Tumulus Mound 18 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
13.7185° N · 16.4988° W