The Evolution of Settlement Systems in the Region of Vohémar, Northeast Madagascar

On the northeast coast of Madagascar, near the town of Vohémar, is a large cemetery dating to the fourteenth century. During World War II, French troops excavated the site but left no comprehensive report. University of Michigan archaeologist Henry T. Wright led an intensive archaeological survey in the region, hoping to find evidence of earlier settlements. In four seasons, the researchers found evidence of several settlements dating to different periods: a large port site dating to the same era as the cemetery; early estuarine villages of the 7th and 8th centuries; and a rock shelter with microlithic tools. In this study, Wright presents the survey results in detail, including the evidence for settlements as well as illustrations of the ceramics and stone tools. Henry T. Wright, Robert E. Dewar, Chantal Radimilahy et Lucien M. A. Rakotozafy présentent les résultats d'une étude archéologique de quatre ans sur la côte nord-est de Madagascar, près de la ville de Vohemar. Les chercheurs ont trouvé des preuves d'un site portuaire vieux d'environ 600 ans, de villages estuariens des septième et huitième siècles et d'un abri sous roche contenant des outils microlithiques. Sur la côte nord-est de Madagascar, près de la ville de Vohémar, se trouve un grand cimetière datant du XIVe siècle. Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, les troupes françaises ont fouillé le site mais n'ont laissé aucun rapport complet. L'archéologue Henry T. Wright de l'université du Michigan a dirigé une étude archéologique intensive dans la région, dans l'espoir de trouver des preuves d'établissements antérieurs. En quatre saisons, les chercheurs ont trouvé des preuves de plusieurs établissements datant de différentes périodes : un grand site portuaire datant de la même époque que le cimetière, des villages estuariens des 7e et 8e siècles et un abri sous roche avec des outils microlithiques. Dans cette étude, Wright présente les résultats de l'enquête en détail, y compris les preuves d'établissements humains ainsi que des illustrations de la céramique et des outils en pierre Contents Acknowledgments List of Illustrations Part I. Background to the survey of northeast Madagascar Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. The Vohemar Area in Geographical Perspective Chapter 3. Historical Traditions of the Vohemar Area Chapter 4. Past and Present Archaeological Work Part II. Human occupation around the Bay of Iharana Chapter 5. Introduction to the Survey Evidence Chapter 6. Evidence of Early Foragers in the Iharana Area Chapter 7. The Ampasimahavelona Phase Chapter 8. The Analabe Phase Chapter 9. The Razanakoto Phase Chapter 10. The Ambatary Phase Chapter 11. The Patrick Phase Chapter 12. The Ave Maria Phase Chapter 13. Cultural Development in the Vohemar Area Appendices Appendix A. A Catalogue of Sites in the Vohemar Area, Henry T. Wright and Robert E. Dewar Appendix B. Stratigraphic Excavations in the Vohemar Area, Henry T. Wright Appendix C. Absolute Dates from Sites in the Vohemar Area, Henry T. Wright Appendix D. Research on Oral Traditions in the Vohemar Area, Chantal Radimilahy Appendix E. Analysis of Osteological Remains Recovered from the Site of Vohemar-Ambatary, Lucien Marie Aimé Rakotozafy Bibliography Henry T. Wright, Robert E. Dewar, Chantal Radimilahy, and Lucien M. A. Rakotozafy report on the results of a four-year archaeological survey on the northeast coast of Madagascar, near the town of Vohemar. Researchers found evidence of a roughly 600-year-old port site; early estuarine villages of the seventh and eighth centuries; and a rock shelter with microlithic tools In this monograph, Henry T. Wright reports on the results of a four-year archaeological survey on the northeast coast of Madagascar, near the town of Vohemar. Researchers found evidence of a roughly 600-year-old port site; early estuarine villages of the 7th and 8th centuries; and a rock shelter with microlithic tools.