Publications
La nécropole aux amants petrifies. Ruines mégalithiques de Wanar (Région de Kaffrine, Sénégal)
Recent archaeological investigations at the megalithic necropolis of Wanar, Senegal, have revealed significant insights into the funerary practices and societal structures of West African protohistoric societies. The study, conducted between 2008 and 2017, identified six distinct monuments, characterized by their unique monolith designs—short and squat to the north, and narrow and elongated to the south—which were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. These findings challenge existing paradigms about megalithic traditions in Senegal and Gambia, suggesting a more complex and nuanced understanding of these ancient societies. The research employed a combination of paleoenvironmental analysis, historical data integration, and detailed archaeological observations to reconstruct the site's evolution as a village dedicated to the dead, featuring stone houses and reflecting deferred funeral rites akin to contemporary West African traditions. This work marks a pivotal advancement in our knowledge of megalith builders and their cultural practices.
Megaliths in Tropical Africa: Social Dynamics and Mortuary Practices in Ancient Senegambia (ca. 1350 BCE – 1500 CE)
Senegambian megalithism, spanning from 1450 BCE to 1500 CE, emerged as a territorial strategy and a complex mortuary program rooted in the construction of Ancestorhood. This study reveals that the stone circles and other megalithic structures were not merely burial sites but part of a broader cultural landscape shaped by interactions between agriculturalists, foragers, pastoralists, and fishermen. The research, conducted by the Sine Ngayene Archaeological Project (2002-2012), systematically analyzes the 'why' behind these monuments, emphasizing their role in marking territory and preserving elaborate burial practices that reflect the social dynamics of ancient Senegambia.
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