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Periodical article Periodical article
Title:Research Notes: Monumental Tomb Architecture of the Medieval Swahili Coast
Author:Gensheimer, T.R.
Year:2012
Periodical:Buildings & Landscapes: Journal of the Vernacular Architecture Forum
Volume:19
Issue:1
Pages:107-114
Geographic term:Kenya
Discipline:Anthropology & Ethnology
Subjects:Architecture
Tombs
Abstract:For a thousand years, the Swahili have been at the crossroads of trade and cultural exchange between the people of Western Asia and those of the East African continent, resulting in significant cultural and architectural influences. With the adoption of Islam, new building types were introduced to the medieval East African coast, most notably that of monumental tombs. Although influenced by vernacular tomb designs found throughout the Islamic world, Swahili monumental tombs form a unique and enigmatic tradition, particularly in the development of pillar tomb forms. The distinctive nature of Swahili monumental tomb architecture and the rituals associated with their use fulfill both indigenous African and Islamic religious practices found throughout the medieval period. (Journal Abstract).
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