The archaeology of kakoro and komuge rock art sites in eastern Uganda

Abstract

This paper presents the archaeology of Eastern Uganda's Komuge and Kakoro rock art sites. The paper is set out to examine the relationships between the archaeological assemblage and rock art with reference to chronology and authorship. Methodologically, the research employed systematic and unsystematic surveys to identify sites for excavations to aid in identifying archaeological materials associated with rock art. The study results demonstrate a clear cultural sequence spanning from the Later Stone Age (LSA) to the Later Iron Age (LIA) evidenced by the presence of lithic, faunal remains, pottery and rock art dating to 1,675BP. The archaeological remains at both sites indicate that the LSA communities that depended on wild and domesticated animals authored the rock art. Continuity in the settlement is marked by the presence of all types of classic Early Iron Age, Transitional Urewe, Middle Iron Age and Later Iron Age (IA) roulette ware superimposed on LSA lithics. Remarkably, the similarity of designs in rock art and ceramics indicates the continuity of inherited traits.