In a joint expedition, Kenyan and Chinese archaeologists have unearthed an archaic house wall, bullet cartridges, and mammalian remains in Malindi - artifacts that are believed to be the evidences of a bygone Malindi kingdom.
The archaeologists were digging a number of sites in Mambrui and Malindi in search of an ancient kingdom which is assumed to be the first converging point between the Chinese and Swahili people during the fourteenth century.
According to Jambo Haro, director of Coastal Archeology of the National Museum of Kenya, the archaeologists discovered materials that suggest a certain kind of burial practice. Haro added that they were able to retrieve sizeable information which they want to subject scientific scrutiny. The process will confirm if the information is correct and will reveal the exact age of the artifacts.
Excavation leader Dashu Qin announced that their team will stay for several months for the excavation assignment. Haro and Hussein agree that the discoveries will help boost Kenya's tourism industry. On top of that, the expedition is also believed to catapult the country to the list of world heritage tourist destinations.
Indeed, the discoveries are unique. However, Athman Hussein, Assistant Director of NMK Coast Region, understands that they are not conclusive yet. More examinations and analysis should be done. Hussein also said that the tools were excavated about a meter underground. It is believed that these items were subdued because of a natural disaster.
Earlier in July, six Chinese archaeologists from Peking University arrived in Kenya. Together with a pair of Kenyan experts, they began excavating three Mambrui sites. Another team of nine Chinese archaeologists joined the initial group in mid-July.