Home Region:  East Africa (Africa)

Nkore

1750 CE 1901 CE

G SC EC PT New EA  ug_nkore_k_2 / Classical Nkore



Preceding Entity: Add one more here.
1450 CE 1749 CE Nkore (ug_nkore_k_1)    [continuity]

Succeeding Entity:
No Polity found. Add one here.

No General Descriptions provided.

General Variables
Social Complexity Variables
Social Scale
Hierarchical Complexity
Professions
Bureaucracy Characteristics
Law
Specialized Buildings: polity owned
Transport Infrastructure
Special-purpose Sites
Information / Writing System
Information / Kinds of Written Documents
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Absent
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Absent 1750 CE 1859 CE
Unknown 1860 CE 1901 CE
Information / Money
Information / Postal System
Information / Measurement System
Warfare Variables (Military Technologies)
Fortifications
Military use of Metals
Projectiles
Handheld weapons
Animals used in warfare
Armor
Naval technology
Economy Variables (Luxury Goods)
Luxury Goods
Luxury Precious Metal: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Imamate of Oman and Muscat
Shaba
Uvira
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Present
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Present
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Present

Luxury Spices Incense And Dyes: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Uvinza
Consumption by Ruler: Present
Consumption by Elite: Present
Consumption by Common People: Present

Luxury Manufactured Goods: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Imamate of Oman and Muscat
Shaba
Uvira
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Present
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Present
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Present

Luxury Glass Goods: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

Luxury Fabrics: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Burundi
Consumption by Ruler: Present
Consumption by Elite: Present
Consumption by Common People: Absent

Luxury Drink/Alcohol: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

Luxury Statuary: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

Luxury Precious Stone: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

Luxury Fine Ceramic Wares: Inferred Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Nyasa
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Present
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Present
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Present

Religion Variables Coding in Progress.
Human Sacrifice Coding in Progress.
Crisis Consequences Coding in Progress.
Power Transitions Coding in Progress.

NGA Settlements:

Year Range Nkore (ug_nkore_k_2) was in:
Home NGA: None

General Variables
Identity and Location
Utm Zone:
36 N
[1750, 1901]

Original Name:
Nkore
[1750, 1901]

Alternative Name:
Ankole
[1750, 1901]

"Ankole, or Nkore as it was known before European contact corrupted its pronunciation and its traditions, lies in the southwest of the Republic of Uganda, south of the equator and north of the international boundary with Tanzania." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 131) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Temporal Bounds
Peak Years:
[1800 CE ➜ 1901 CE]
 

Broad estimate inferred from the following. "With Bunyoro-Kitara’s decline Nkore’s political position gradually became stronger. Several smaller neighbouring states, such as Igara, Buhweju and Buzimba, that had earlier been subject to Babito overrule, first became ’independent’ (most notably in the case of Buhweju) and eventually were made to acknowledge Nkore’s paramountcy, expressed through the tribute they paid to its ruler. Nkore’s ’imperialism’ finally reached a peak during the rule of Ntare V, shortly before the British arrived on the scene." [1]

[1]: (Middleton 2015: 45) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM.


Duration:
[1750 CE ➜ 1901 CE]
 

NB The first quote posits the earliest possible start date for this polity, but the second quote suggests that the polity changed significanty in the 18th century, enough to warrant splitting its history into two phases. "Individual settlements were governed by clan chiefs, but around the middle of the 1400s, one of these, Ruhinda, rose to dominance and established himself as mugabe , or paramount ruler over all the Ankole clans. [...] Ankole kings managed to maintain the independence of their people until 1901, when Great Britain claimed the region as a colonial possession and the kingdom came under British control." [1] "Between the establishment of the Hinda regime under Ruhinda and his son, Nkuba, and the first half of the eighteenth century, ’nothing of importance seems to have taken place’, according to S. R. Karugire (1971: 150), Ankole’s leading historian. [...] [C]onsidering what is recorded it seems fairly certain that following Nkuba’s consolidation of personal power over the Hima clans until the eventful reign of Ntare IV (1699-1727/26), the absence of historical information stems from the fact that few people in Ankole then or since would recognize the society of the first ten generations as either an historical or political unit much less as a state. Nkuba and his successors emerge dimly from the spare record as what Ruhinda himself was — a wandering herdsman and warrior. The Mugabe (king) of later years was at this stage merely the leading member of the central clan of a cluster of pastoral clans — the giver of gifts of cattle as his title literally implies rather than the monarch or ruler (Mukama) of a sovereign state." [2]

[1]: (Middleton 2015: 45) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM.

[2]: (Steinhart 1978: 136) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Political and Cultural Relations
Supracultural Entity:
East African Interlacustrine States
[1750, 1901]

"For many centuries prior to British rule, the Ankole area had been politically and culturally related to various other societies in the interlacustrine region of Eastern Africa. The kingdom of Nkore, which was the nucleus around which the Ankole district was formed at the beginning of the colonial period, was centrally situated within this large region: its most important neighbours were Bunyoro-Kitara to the north, Karagwe and Buhaya to the south, Mpororo and Rwanda to the southwest, and Buganda to the east. In a narrow circle around Nkore lay a string of smaller kingships, including Koki, Buzimba, Buhweju, Igara." [1]

[1]: (Doornbos 1978: 18) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/ISMJWJ4U/collection.


Succeeding Entity:
British Empire
[1750, 1901]

Relationship to Preceding Entity:
continuity
[1750, 1901]

Preceding Entity:
1450 CE 1749 CE Nkore (ug_nkore_k_1)    [continuity]  
 

Language
Linguistic Family:
Niger-Congo
[1750, 1901]

Language:
Runyankore
[1750, 1901]

"Culturally, manifold areas of overlap existed between the societies of the interlacustrine region. With few exceptions their languages were all patterned on the basic Bantu structure. On top of this several languages were especially closely related and in some instances two or more societies virtually shared a linguistic identity. Runyankore, for example, was basically identical to the Rukiga spoken by the Bakiga (in the present Kigezi district of Uganda), so that in the present century a common orthography could be developed for the two languages. While Runyankore was less close to Luganda, its linguistic affinities with, among others, Karagwe and Bunyoro-Kitara (and the latter’s nineteenth-century offshoot Toro) easily allowed two-way communication with these societies." [1]

[1]: (Doornbos 1978: 19) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/ISMJWJ4U/collection.


Religion
Religious Tradition:
Cwezi-Kubandwa Religion
[1750, 1901]

“The Cwezi-kubandwa religious complex covered most of Great Lakes Africa by the nineteenth century, being found in modern-day Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, north-west Tanzania and eastern Congo, a region united by closely related Bantu languages as well as traditions of kingship and other cultural similarities.” [1]

[1]: (Doyle 2007: 559) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/enricocioni/items/9EXDF5UP/library



Social Complexity Variables
Social Scale
Hierarchical Complexity
Settlement Hierarchy:
[2 to 3]
[1750, 1901]

levels.1. Capital :"Each new ruler was obliged to move to a new capital site on his accession and may have found it convenient to shift his capital to a more suitable grazing ground from time to time. Thus, while court attendance was encouraged, the capital did not emerge as an urban or administrative center, merely as the site of the large and prestigious royal kraal where other less imposing structures were erected." [1] :2. Intermediate level (perhaps?) ::3. Isolated homesteads :::"Residence patterns were generally based on scattered homesteads, not villages, a fact with far-reaching implications in terms of the kind of socio-political frameworks that evolved." [2]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 143) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.

[2]: (Doornbos 1978: 20) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/ISMJWJ4U/collection.


Military Level:
[2 to 3]
[1750, 1901]

levels. "Following the Nyoro invasion, Ntare also began to engage in military innovation, organizing the first regiments (emitwe) of trained warriors rather than relying upon a hasty call-up of able-bodied men. [...] The system of standing regiments (emitwe) under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under Mugabe Mutambuka (1839-67) a century later." [1] 1. Royally appointed officers :2. Intermediate level (inferred) ::3. Trained warriors

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 138, 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Administrative Level:
[2 to 4]
[1750, 1901]

levels.1. Mugabe :"Now, instead of primus inter pares, the Mugabe was an autocratic ruler, ’whose rule was absolute and his decision on any matter final’ (Roscoe 1923: 12). [...] The royal court served as a judicial and political center, but not as a bureaucratic focal point. [...] The appointment and dismissal of military and administrative functionaries from among those aristocratic Hima and Hinda princes who regularly attended court was the Mugabe’s sole administrative function." [1] :2. Local chiefs :: "Below the King and court was an irregular system of territorial authorities, chiefs in the common and colonial parlance, who administered the state in the name of the Mugabe (Richards 1960; Oberg 1940: 136-50). The most important pastoralist in a given area of the country was generally recognized by the herders as the local chief and confirmed in that post by the king. Often princes of the blood (baginya) were so recognized and hence made responsible for collection of tribute and taxation, especially in cattle which served as both a system of redistribution of pastoral wealth and a politically important addition to the system of cattle clientage practiced throughout pastoral society. One thing seems evident — little direct control over the farming community was exercised by this administrative hierarchy." [2] ::3. Lesser local chiefs (perhaps?) :::4. Tribute collectors (inferred)

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 143-144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.

[2]: (Steinhart 1978: 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Professions
Professional Soldier:
Present
1750 CE 1838 CE

"Following the Nyoro invasion, Ntare also began to engage in military innovation, organizing the first regiments (emitwe) of trained warriors rather than relying upon a hasty call-up of able-bodied men. [...] The system of standing regiments (emitwe) under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under Mugabe Mutambuka (1839-67) a century later." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 138, 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.

Professional Soldier:
Present
1839 CE 1901 CE

"Following the Nyoro invasion, Ntare also began to engage in military innovation, organizing the first regiments (emitwe) of trained warriors rather than relying upon a hasty call-up of able-bodied men. [...] The system of standing regiments (emitwe) under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under Mugabe Mutambuka (1839-67) a century later." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 138, 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Professional Military Officer:
Present
1750 CE 1838 CE

"Following the Nyoro invasion, Ntare also began to engage in military innovation, organizing the first regiments (emitwe) of trained warriors rather than relying upon a hasty call-up of able-bodied men. [...] The system of standing regiments (emitwe) under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under Mugabe Mutambuka (1839-67) a century later." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 138, 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.

Professional Military Officer:
Present
1839 CE 1901 CE

"Following the Nyoro invasion, Ntare also began to engage in military innovation, organizing the first regiments (emitwe) of trained warriors rather than relying upon a hasty call-up of able-bodied men. [...] The system of standing regiments (emitwe) under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under the command of royal appointees begun by Ntare IV was revived by his successors and became fully operational under Mugabe Mutambuka (1839-67) a century later." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 138, 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Bureaucracy Characteristics
Specialized Government Building:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"The court gradually settled in one area somewhat to the north and west of the Isingiro heartland. Each new ruler was obliged to move to a new capital site on his accession and may have found it convenient to shift his capital to a more suitable grazing ground from time to time. Thus, while court attendance was encouraged, the capital did not emerge as an urban or administrative center, merely as the site of the large and prestigious royal kraal where other less imposing structures were erected. [...] The royal court served as a judicial and political center, but not as a bureaucratic focal point." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 143-144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Merit Promotion:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"The royal court served as a judicial and political center, but not as a bureaucratic focal point. The Mugabe’s chief minister, the Enganzi, was not a prime minister in the usual sense of leader of government business. He was merely the King’s favorite. Neither was there a cabinet nor governmental bureaux, although the colonial era saw the formation of a council of chiefs (Eishengyero) claiming traditional status. No distinction between the royal and state treasury was made and the heads of local administrative units were not required to attend court or reside at the capital as in Buganda, for instance. In fact, the only governmental business conducted at court was the hearing of cases, often involving the disputed possession of cattle or women by the Hima. The appointment and dismissal of military and administrative functionaries from among those aristocratic Hima and Hinda princes who regularly attended court was the Mugabe’s sole administrative function." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Full Time Bureaucrat:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"The royal court served as a judicial and political center, but not as a bureaucratic focal point. The Mugabe’s chief minister, the Enganzi, was not a prime minister in the usual sense of leader of government business. He was merely the King’s favorite. Neither was there a cabinet nor governmental bureaux, although the colonial era saw the formation of a council of chiefs (Eishengyero) claiming traditional status. No distinction between the royal and state treasury was made and the heads of local administrative units were not required to attend court or reside at the capital as in Buganda, for instance. In fact, the only governmental business conducted at court was the hearing of cases, often involving the disputed possession of cattle or women by the Hima. The appointment and dismissal of military and administrative functionaries from among those aristocratic Hima and Hinda princes who regularly attended court was the Mugabe’s sole administrative function." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Examination System:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"The royal court served as a judicial and political center, but not as a bureaucratic focal point. The Mugabe’s chief minister, the Enganzi, was not a prime minister in the usual sense of leader of government business. He was merely the King’s favorite. Neither was there a cabinet nor governmental bureaux, although the colonial era saw the formation of a council of chiefs (Eishengyero) claiming traditional status. No distinction between the royal and state treasury was made and the heads of local administrative units were not required to attend court or reside at the capital as in Buganda, for instance. In fact, the only governmental business conducted at court was the hearing of cases, often involving the disputed possession of cattle or women by the Hima. The appointment and dismissal of military and administrative functionaries from among those aristocratic Hima and Hinda princes who regularly attended court was the Mugabe’s sole administrative function." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Law
Judge:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

The following quote suggests that judicial fucntions were the prerogative of members of the pastoral aristocracy. "The royal court served as a judicial and political center, but not as a bureaucratic focal point. The Mugabe’s chief minister, the Enganzi, was not a prime minister in the usual sense of leader of government business. He was merely the King’s favorite. Neither was there a cabinet nor governmental bureaux, although the colonial era saw the formation of a council of chiefs (Eishengyero) claiming traditional status. In fact, the only governmental business conducted at court was the hearing of cases, often involving the disputed possession of cattle or women by the Hima. The appointment and dismissal of military and administrative functionaries from among those aristocratic Hima and Hinda princes who regularly attended court was the Mugabe’s sole administrative function." [1]

[1]: (Steinhart 1978: 144) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Specialized Buildings: polity owned
Food Storage Site:
Present
[1750, 1901]

Granaries. "Just as important was the devastation caused by an army on the march, even in friendly country. The foragers, and sometimes even the combatant companies themselves, pillaged the harvests that were in the field or stocked in the granaries and requisitioned cattle for slaughter, not to mention what they stole along the way." [1]

[1]: (Vansina 2004: 93) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/5J4MRHUB/collection.


Utilitarian Public Building:
Present
[1750, 1901]

Granaries. "Just as important was the devastation caused by an army on the march, even in friendly country. The foragers, and sometimes even the combatant companies themselves, pillaged the harvests that were in the field or stocked in the granaries and requisitioned cattle for slaughter, not to mention what they stole along the way." [1]

[1]: (Vansina 2004: 93) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/5J4MRHUB/collection.


Transport Infrastructure
Special-purpose Sites
Information / Writing System
Written Record:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Written Record:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Script:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Script:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Phonetic Alphabetic Writing:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time. Note that both Arabic an Kiswahili feature phonetic alphabets.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Phonetic Alphabetic Writing:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time. Note that both Arabic an Kiswahili feature phonetic alphabets.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Non Phonetic Writing:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Both Arabic an Kiswahili feature phonetic alphabets.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Information / Kinds of Written Documents
Scientific Literature:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Scientific Literature:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Sacred Text:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Sacred Text:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Religious Literature:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Religious Literature:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] Based on the literature consulted, it remains unclear whether literacy spread from Buganda to Nkore at this time.

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Practical Literature:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Practical Literature:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Philosophy:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Philosophy:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Lists Tables and Classification:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Lists Tables and Classification:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


History:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

It seems that the earliest historical writing produced in Uganda dates to the beginning of the British colonial period. "There developed some rich early historiographies in Africa and some, namely the early historical writing which had started to be produced in the kingdom of Buganda and to a lesser extent in the kingdom of Nkore and among some other neighbouring peoples since the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, have continued to thrive." [1] "While there were no official historians or court genealogists, men of good memory were present to advise on matters of precedent and propriety." [2]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2016: 193) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/WMEMW3T7.

[2]: (Steinhart 1978: 143) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Fiction:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] "Similarly, official poet laureates were unknown, but poetry composition and recitation was a major virtue of courtly life and manners (Morris 1964)." [2]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

[2]: (Steinhart 1978: 143) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.

Fiction:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1] "Similarly, official poet laureates were unknown, but poetry composition and recitation was a major virtue of courtly life and manners (Morris 1964)." [2]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

[2]: (Steinhart 1978: 143) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/D3FV7SKV/collection.


Calendar:
Absent
1750 CE 1859 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.

Calendar:
Unknown
1860 CE 1901 CE

"Literacy entered Uganda for the first time with the introduction of Islam in the late 1860’s and for nearly a decade instruction in Islam was progressing and flourishing at the royal court. When literacy was introduced into the kingdom of Buganda, it was confined to speakers of Arabic and Kiswahili. " [1]

[1]: (Pawliková-Vilhanová 2014: 145) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/T7IMKZJJ.


Information / Money
Token:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"As we have seen, to secure their essential ties, the ancient states, lacking writing and money, relied on kinship, trust, and personal relationships, which were periodically rekindled by direct contact and exchanged words." [1]

[1]: (Chrétien 2006: 178) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/FXCVWDRI/collection.


Precious Metal:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"As we have seen, to secure their essential ties, the ancient states, lacking writing and money, relied on kinship, trust, and personal relationships, which were periodically rekindled by direct contact and exchanged words." [1]

[1]: (Chrétien 2006: 178) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/FXCVWDRI/collection.


Paper Currency:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"As we have seen, to secure their essential ties, the ancient states, lacking writing and money, relied on kinship, trust, and personal relationships, which were periodically rekindled by direct contact and exchanged words." [1]

[1]: (Chrétien 2006: 178) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/FXCVWDRI/collection.


Indigenous Coin:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"As we have seen, to secure their essential ties, the ancient states, lacking writing and money, relied on kinship, trust, and personal relationships, which were periodically rekindled by direct contact and exchanged words." [1]

[1]: (Chrétien 2006: 178) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/FXCVWDRI/collection.


Foreign Coin:
Absent
[1750, 1901]

"As we have seen, to secure their essential ties, the ancient states, lacking writing and money, relied on kinship, trust, and personal relationships, which were periodically rekindled by direct contact and exchanged words." [1]

[1]: (Chrétien 2006: 178) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/FXCVWDRI/collection.


Article:
Present
[1750, 1901]

"The following quote, which refers to the late 19th century across the Great Lakes region in general, suggests that, before the late introduction of cowrie shells, salt bundles, goats and hoes functioned as currency: "The fundamentals of this long-distance commerce were ivory, slaves, and, in exchange, firearms (piston rifles). The ancient networks were grafted onto this new axis, which itself created growing demand for local products, notably foodstuffs. New monetary tools also came into use: rows of cowries and beads replaced the hoe, the goat, and the salt bundle." [1]

[1]: (Chrétien 2006: 196) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/FXCVWDRI/collection.


Information / Postal System
Courier:
Present
[1750, 1901]

"Except for the sovereign’s close relations (such as uncles at the start of a reign or eldest sons at the end), the most listened-to advisers were people of humbler origins. They belonged to appointed families that regularly furnished their young for service at the court. These youths literally made their careers by distinguishing themselves before the king for their bravery, wisdom, and loyalty; when they grew to maturity, they became notables, whom the sovereign consulted regularly and who constituted the monarchy’s real government. The king gathered their advice before making major decisions, or he sent them to the provinces for special assignments. [...] In Bunyoro and Nkore , some were the king’s messengers." [1]

[1]: (Chrétien 2006: 173-174) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/collections/GWWIKDDM/items/FXCVWDRI/collection.


Information / Measurement System

Warfare Variables (Military Technologies)
Fortifications
Military use of Metals
Projectiles
Handheld weapons
Animals used in warfare
Armor
Naval technology

Economy Variables (Luxury Goods)
Luxury Goods
[1750, 1901]
Luxury Precious Metal: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Imamate of Oman and Muscat
Shaba
Uvira
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Present
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Present
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Present

‘‘‘ Copper, iron. “Iron was a scarce and precious commodity.” [Iliffe 1979, p. 19] “The mining of metals and the production of metal goods had taken place in the Great Lakes region for centuries. Current archaeological knowledge dates metal-working in the region to the seventh-century BC. Throughout the Great Lakes region, there existed scattered iron deposits, and iron-working sites. Iron was traded widely, particularly in the form of hoes and jewellery (typically, arm and leg circlets). “Although iron deposits were relatively numerous, copper deposits were much more restricted. One of the most important sources of copper in Central africa was southern Shaba in contemporary Zaire, bordering the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Archaeological and linguistic investigations have revealed extensive contacts between shaba and many other regions, extending broadly in every direction. […] By importing brass wire and transporting raw material to regions where it became accessible to skilled smiths, and by trading worked metal goods to regions of demand, Arab traders boosted the metals trade. Arab vessels carried copper from Shaba and unworked iron from Uvira. Their overland caravans brought European-produced wire from the East African coast. Burundian smiths and ankle-bracelet (inyerére) craftsmen participated in the newly stimulated metals trade network, procuring from it copper and wire, but it is important to note that artisan families had carried on their craft—and had traded to receive raw materials and distribute their finished goods—long before the mid-nineteenth century.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 157-158] ‘‘‘ NB At the time, much of the Swahili coast was under Omani rule. “Arab vessels carried copper from Shaba and unworked iron from Uvira. Their overland caravans brought European-produced wire from the East African coast.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 157-158] ‘‘‘ Copper. The following seems to imply that copper, however valuable, was widely accessible. “The mining of metals and the production of metal goods had taken place in the Great Lakes region for centuries. Current archaeological knowledge dates metal-working in the region to the seventh-century BC. Throughout the Great Lakes region, there existed scattered iron deposits, and iron-working sites. Iron was traded widely, particularly in the form of hoes and jewellery (typically, arm and leg circlets). “Although iron deposits were relatively numerous, copper deposits were much more restricted. One of the most important sources of copper in Central africa was southern Shaba in contemporary Zaire, bordering the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Archaeological and linguistic investigations have revealed extensive contacts between shaba and many other regions, extending broadly in every direction. […] By importing brass wire and transporting raw material to regions where it became accessible to skilled smiths, and by trading worked metal goods to regions of demand, Arab traders boosted the metals trade. Arab vessels carried copper from Shaba and unworked iron from Uvira. Their overland caravans brought European-produced wire from the East African coast. Burundian smiths and ankle-bracelet (inyerére) craftsmen participated in the newly stimulated metals trade network, procuring from it copper and wire, but it is important to note that artisan families had carried on their craft—and had traded to receive raw materials and distribute their finished goods—long before the mid-nineteenth century.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 157-158] ‘‘‘ Copper. The following seems to imply that copper, however valuable, was not restricted to the elites. “The mining of metals and the production of metal goods had taken place in the Great Lakes region for centuries. Current archaeological knowledge dates metal-working in the region to the seventh-century BC. Throughout the Great Lakes region, there existed scattered iron deposits, and iron-working sites. Iron was traded widely, particularly in the form of hoes and jewellery (typically, arm and leg circlets). “Although iron deposits were relatively numerous, copper deposits were much more restricted. One of the most important sources of copper in Central africa was southern Shaba in contemporary Zaire, bordering the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Archaeological and linguistic investigations have revealed extensive contacts between shaba and many other regions, extending broadly in every direction. […] By importing brass wire and transporting raw material to regions where it became accessible to skilled smiths, and by trading worked metal goods to regions of demand, Arab traders boosted the metals trade. Arab vessels carried copper from Shaba and unworked iron from Uvira. Their overland caravans brought European-produced wire from the East African coast. Burundian smiths and ankle-bracelet (inyerére) craftsmen participated in the newly stimulated metals trade network, procuring from it copper and wire, but it is important to note that artisan families had carried on their craft—and had traded to receive raw materials and distribute their finished goods—long before the mid-nineteenth century.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 157-158]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Spices Incense And Dyes: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Uvinza
Consumption by Ruler: Present
Consumption by Elite: Present
Consumption by Common People: Present

High-quality salt. “Although low-quality salt […] was widely available, high quality, crystalline salt was rare. One of the most important sources for the latter form was Uvinza, at the confluence of the Rushugi and Malagarassi rivers in western Tanzania. Archaeological excavations at Uvinza have produced fifth or sixth century AD dates for the beginning of salt-making activity there. Pottery excavated at the same site shows that it was occupied in the mid-second millennium as well; perhaps this occupation was continuous. Travelers’ descriptions do indicate that Uvinza had become a major center for salt production and trade by the mid-1800s. Styles of potshers found there and oral traditions link the Uvinza salt trade to a wide region.” [Wagner 1993, p. 158] “The other staple of regional exchange was salt, a necessity of life to men who lived chiefly on vegetable foods. Most peoples produced small quantities by burning grass or collecting surface deposits, but high-quality sources were rare. The most famous were the brine springs of Uvinza, on a tributary of the Malagarasi which flowed into Lake Tanganyika. These had probably been exploited since the first millennium after Christ. The brine was evaporated by boiling after a priest had invoked the tutelary spirits. Anyone could boil salt at Uvinza, provided that he paid a tithe to the local chief. The product was traded throughout the western plateau.“ [Iliffe 1979, p. 19] “Anyone could boil salt at Uvinza, provided that he paid a tithe to the local chief. The product  was traded throughout the western plateau.” [Iliffe 1979, p. 19]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Manufactured Goods: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Imamate of Oman and Muscat
Shaba
Uvira
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Present
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Present
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Present

Valuable metal items and garments made of bark cloth. “The mining of metals and the production of metal goods had taken place in the Great Lakes region for centuries. Current archaeological knowledge dates metal-working in the region to the seventh-century BC. Throughout the Great Lakes region, there existed scattered iron deposits, and iron-working sites. Iron was traded widely, particularly in the form of hoes and jewellery (typically, arm and leg circlets). “Although iron deposits were relatively numerous, copper deposits were much more restricted. One of the most important sources of copper in Central africa was southern Shaba in contemporary Zaire, bordering the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Archaeological and linguistic investigations have revealed extensive contacts between shaba and many other regions, extending broadly in every direction. […] By importing brass wire and transporting raw material to regions where it became accessible to skilled smiths, and by trading worked metal goods to regions of demand, Arab traders boosted the metals trade. Arab vessels carried copper from Shaba and unworked iron from Uvira. Their overland caravans brought European-produced wire from the East African coast. Burundian smiths and ankle-bracelet (inyerére) craftsmen participated in the newly stimulated metals trade network, procuring from it copper and wire, but it is important to note that artisan families had carried on their craft—and had traded to receive raw materials and distribute their finished goods—long before the mid-nineteenth century.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 157-158] “That ordinary people wore animal skins has been well documented by travelers’ reports and local oral testimony. Elite individuals, by contrast, wore garments of pounded, softened tree bark. Highland Burundi, graced with rich forests, was a major producer of these garments, which commanded a high cost in local trade.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 158-159] ‘‘‘ NB At the time, much of the Swahili coast was under Omani rule. “The mining of metals and the production of metal goods had taken place in the Great Lakes region for centuries. Current archaeological knowledge dates metal-working in the region to the seventh-century BC. Throughout the Great Lakes region, there existed scattered iron deposits, and iron-working sites. Iron was traded widely, particularly in the form of hoes and jewellery (typically, arm and leg circlets). “Although iron deposits were relatively numerous, copper deposits were much more restricted. One of the most important sources of copper in Central africa was southern Shaba in contemporary Zaire, bordering the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Archaeological and linguistic investigations have revealed extensive contacts between shaba and many other regions, extending broadly in every direction. […] By importing brass wire and transporting raw material to regions where it became accessible to skilled smiths, and by trading worked metal goods to regions of demand, Arab traders boosted the metals trade. Arab vessels carried copper from Shaba and unworked iron from Uvira. Their overland caravans brought European-produced wire from the East African coast. Burundian smiths and ankle-bracelet (inyerére) craftsmen participated in the newly stimulated metals trade network, procuring from it copper and wire, but it is important to note that artisan families had carried on their craft—and had traded to receive raw materials and distribute their finished goods—long before the mid-nineteenth century.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 157-158] Valuable metal items (which appear not to have been exclusive to the elites) and garments made of bark cloth (exclusive to the elites). “The mining of metals and the production of metal goods had taken place in the Great Lakes region for centuries. Current archaeological knowledge dates metal-working in the region to the seventh-century BC. Throughout the Great Lakes region, there existed scattered iron deposits, and iron-working sites. Iron was traded widely, particularly in the form of hoes and jewellery (typically, arm and leg circlets). “Although iron deposits were relatively numerous, copper deposits were much more restricted. One of the most important sources of copper in Central africa was southern Shaba in contemporary Zaire, bordering the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Archaeological and linguistic investigations have revealed extensive contacts between shaba and many other regions, extending broadly in every direction. […] By importing brass wire and transporting raw material to regions where it became accessible to skilled smiths, and by trading worked metal goods to regions of demand, Arab traders boosted the metals trade. Arab vessels carried copper from Shaba and unworked iron from Uvira. Their overland caravans brought European-produced wire from the East African coast. Burundian smiths and ankle-bracelet (inyerére) craftsmen participated in the newly stimulated metals trade network, procuring from it copper and wire, but it is important to note that artisan families had carried on their craft—and had traded to receive raw materials and distribute their finished goods—long before the mid-nineteenth century.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 157-158]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Glass Goods: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

The literature consulted does not include anything made of glass as a typical luxury good in the region at this time. The following is a typical summary of regional trade at the time: “Pots, cloth, iron, and salt were the staples of regional trade, but each area contributed the speciality which helped to define its identity. Nyakyusa produced none of the staples but were expert mat-makers. Kisi fishermen exchanged their catch for cattle from the plains of Usangu. Tobacco was probably the most widely traded agricultural product; standardised packages from Usambara were reaching the coast by the early nineteenth century.” [Iliffe 1979, p. 19]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Fabrics: Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Burundi
Consumption by Ruler: Present
Consumption by Elite: Present
Consumption by Common People: Absent

Bark cloth. “That ordinary people wore animal skins has been well documented by travelers’ reports and local oral testimony. Elite individuals, by contrast, wore garments of pounded, softened tree bark. Highland Burundi, graced with rich forests, was a major producer of these garments, which commanded a high cost in local trade.” [Wagner 1993, pp. 158-159]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Drink/Alcohol: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

The literature consulted does not include alcohol of any kind as a typical luxury good in the region at this time. The following is a typical summary of regional trade at the time: “Pots, cloth, iron, and salt were the staples of regional trade, but each area contributed the speciality which helped to define its identity. Nyakyusa produced none of the staples but were expert mat-makers. Kisi fishermen exchanged their catch for cattle from the plains of Usangu. Tobacco was probably the most widely traded agricultural product; standardised packages from Usambara were reaching the coast by the early nineteenth century.” [Iliffe 1979, p. 19]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Statuary: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

The literature consulted does not include statuary of any kind as a typical luxury good in the region at this time. The following is a typical summary of regional trade at the time: “Pots, cloth, iron, and salt were the staples of regional trade, but each area contributed the speciality which helped to define its identity. Nyakyusa produced none of the staples but were expert mat-makers. Kisi fishermen exchanged their catch for cattle from the plains of Usangu. Tobacco was probably the most widely traded agricultural product; standardised packages from Usambara were reaching the coast by the early nineteenth century.” [Iliffe 1979, p. 19]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Precious Stone: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Absent
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Absent

The literature consulted does not include precious stones of any kind as a typical luxury good in the region at this time. The following is a typical summary of regional trade at the time: “Pots, cloth, iron, and salt were the staples of regional trade, but each area contributed the speciality which helped to define its identity. Nyakyusa produced none of the staples but were expert mat-makers. Kisi fishermen exchanged their catch for cattle from the plains of Usangu. Tobacco was probably the most widely traded agricultural product; standardised packages from Usambara were reaching the coast by the early nineteenth century.” [Iliffe 1979, p. 19]


[1750, 1901]
Luxury Fine Ceramic Wares: Inferred Present
Place(s) of Provenance: Nyasa
Consumption by Ruler: Inferred Present
Consumption by Elite: Inferred Present
Consumption by Common People: Inferred Present

The following suggests that Kisi pottery was more highly valued than pottery made elsewhere, and therefore, relatively speaking, a luxury good. However, the quote almost seems to imply that it was not exclusive to elites, but broadly accessible. “Skilled crafts were the basis of economic specialisation and ex- change. Most women made pottery, but volcanic areas lacked suitable clay and so depended on specialists like the Kisi women of the Nyasa lakeshore who bartered their pots from house to house in Nyakyusa villages or the people of Ngaseni who traded their huge beer pots along the road which ran around the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro.” [Iliffe 1979, p. 19]



Human Sacrifice Data
Human Sacrifice is the deliberate and ritualized killing of a person to please or placate supernatural entities (including gods, spirits, and ancestors) or gain other supernatural benefits.
Coding in Progress.
Coding in Progress.
Power Transitions