Kilwa-Type Coins From Songo Mnara, Tanzania: New Finds and Chronological Implications

This paper reports 64 Kilwa type coins recently discovered at Songo Mnara on the southern Tanzanian coast. The short 200 year occupation of Songo Mnara, and its simple, clearly defined stratigraphy, allow us to reconsider the dates of these coins and their circulation. The coins from Songo Mnara provide the first stratigraphically sound evidence that many types were immobilised issues, struck long after the rulers they name. As a result of the issue of immobilised types an absolute chronology of Kilwa coins might be impossible to obtain.