Windows on the African past

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This collection features a range of studies highlighting the archaeological and ecological significance of plant use across various regions in Africa and beyond. It begins with an exploration of sedges from Sibudu, South Africa, providing insights into their historical applications. The transition from gathering to agricultural intensification is examined through archaeobotanical remains from Mege in the Chad Basin, Nigeria. The discovery of seed remains from a pre-Hispanic sacrificial altar in La Gomera, Canary Islands, sheds light on ancient religious practices. Further investigations include the long-term plant exploitation in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt, and the economic and ecological aspects of Predynastic Hierakonpolis, revealed through trash mound analyses. The study of mud bricks and plasters in Middle Egypt during the Late Antique/Early Islamic period offers a glimpse into plant economy and land use. The identification of plant materials in coiled basketry at the Agricultural Museum in Giza adds another layer to our understanding of ancient practices. Additionally, the research covers phytoliths from modern West African grasses and the phylogeography of cereal landraces in Northwest Africa, emphasizing the spread of agriculture. The morphological and genetic analyses of wild cereals from the Takarkori Rockshelter in Libya provide foundational insights into early agricultural practices. Lastly, linguistic studies on cu