INGOMBE ISLAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

the name "Ingombe Ilede" means "the sleeping cow" because of a huge baobab tree in the shape of an elongated cow that stands at the center of the site. Archaeologists believe that this site, discovered in 1960 not far from Siavonga, was an important trading platform from the seventh to the sixteenth century, where products were exchanged, mainly salt, but also copper, gold, ceramics and textiles. The golden age of this trade node is dated between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the Mwenemupata Empire for ivory and gold, the Katanga region in the DRC for slaves and copper, and the exchange of glass beads, cloth and cowries from the Indian Ocean. The decline of Great Zimbabwe to the benefit of the Portuguese precipitated the city into oblivion. Tombs have been discovered, some with rich decorations of shells, copper, jewelry and glass beads, indicating the societal rank of the deceased. The site was discovered in 1960 and the pit excavated by archaeologist JH Chaplin. The first burial contained bracelets, crosses and copper coins and a necklace of gold beads. Two other graves contained iron tools and human remains, ceremonial objects such as gongs and hoes, which were symbols of chieftaincy. A total of 48 graves, including 22 infants, were excavated. An on-site guide offers a tour in exchange for a few kwachas.