Archaeologists report earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa

Credit: Steven Goldstein

Located in the foothills of Mount Elgon near the Kenya-Uganda border, Kakapel Rockshelter is the site where WashU archaeologist Natalie Mueller and her collaborators have uncovered the earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa.

« Archaeologists report earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa

Credit: Natalie Mueller

WashU archaeologist Natalie Mueller used a flotation technique to separate remnants of wild and domesticated plant species from ashes and other debris in a hearth excavated at Kakapel Rockshelter, Kenya.

« Archaeologists report earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa

Credit: Natalie Mueller

Kakapel Rockshelter is a recognized rock art site in Kenya that contains archaeological artifacts that reflect more than 9,000 years of human occupation in the region.

« Archaeologists report earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa

Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society B

One unusual crop that WashU archaeologist Natalie Mueller uncovered at Kakapel Rockshelter in Kenya was field pea, burnt but perfectly intact. Peas were not previously considered to be part of early agriculture in this region.

« Archaeologists report earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa

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