This project documents technologies, practices, and knowledge associated with coral stone house construction in the town of Lamu in northern coastal Kenya. The project engages the local Swahili community, which was one of the first Islamic communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Lamu Town is unique on the Swahili coast, as it is one of the few remaining areas where fossilised coral is still used as building material in traditional house construction, and where a number of coral stone houses have been continually occupied since the 18th century. While on a World Heritage Site list since 2001, the local built environment is endangered by increasing use of modern building materials like brick and cement, by introduction of new building technologies, foreign skills and influence of modern development.
Building with coral stone was a characteristic feature of Swahili towns throughout the precolonial period for nearly a millennium, and remains of coral buildings are recorded on hundreds of archaeological sites along the coast. By focusing on the building process, this project brings an innovative perspective on the houses as part of Swahili material culture, while previous ethnographic, archaeological and architectural research targeted life in and use of the houses.
The project employs a combination of methodologies. These include interviews with stonemasons, master builders and knowledge-holders that will focus on construction technology in terms of its practical as well as social aspects. Apart from interviews, the project aims to complete a photo and video documentation of the house construction and case studies of ruined houses and their architectural features. Throughout, the recording process is complemented by observation and 360-degree video recording. Together, the methods will be used to document the entire building process of a house, as well as renovation of standing houses and rhythms of upkeep of various house sections. While the main focus of the project is building technology associated with fossilised coral, it will also study the use of wood, mud-and-thatch, and other materials employed in the construction process.
The digital archive resulting from the project will serve as a valuable resource for research in anthropology and archaeology as well as aid conservation and educational activities. Apart from engaging the local community in research, workshops are planned, as well as production of short videos for websites and social media showcasing the local building knowledge and practices. The project team will collaborate with local charities and museums to act as repositories and participate in disseminating the results of the project.
Principal Investigator:
Monika Baumanova
Collaborators:
Jasmin Mahazi and Jiri Kodl
Location of Research:
Lamu Town, Kenya
Host Institution:
University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic
Top Banner Image: Lamu oceanfront with coral houses and mangrove poles for sale to be used for roofing. Photo credit: Charlotte Hesch-Mahazi