Faunal Remains from Kaya Bate, an Ancient Mijikenda Settlement on the Northern Kenya Coast

Abstract

This chapter presents the results of the analysis of faunal remains from Kaya Bate site on the Kenya coast. The evidence shows that the inhabitants of the site, dated to the period between the 7th-10th centuries AD were mixed farmers who kept domesticated fauna (cattle,sheep/goat) as well as chicken. In addition to domesticate fauna, they are also relied on a variety of wild animals for meat. Fish also appears to have made an important contribution to their diet. The results of the faunal analysis contribute new data towards our understanding of the animal subsistence economy of early settlements on the east African coast.