THE GLASS OF CHIBUENE, MOZAMBIQUE: NEW INSIGHTS INTO EARLY INDIAN OCEAN TRADE

Chibuene, southern Mozambique, is the site of the earliest-known trading port in southern Africa. Radiocarbon dates place its occupation between the 6th and 17th centuries. Recovered exotic trade goods, especially glass beads, indicate it was the main port of entry for that trade into southern Africa from roughly the 8th to the mid-10th century. LA-ICP-MS analysis of glass beads, vessel shards and wasters from the site has brought to light a new bead series for the region that may push that trade back to the 7th century. The chemical characteristics and possible origins of the three main glass types present are explored and the history of the site is interpreted through the evidence provided by the glass shards and beads - their absence at times being as revealing as their presence at others.