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Kenya

Takwa

Ruins of a small coastal settlement

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Takwa is an archaeological site located on the south side of Manda Island in Kenya's coastal province. Established around 1500 CE, Takwa was a small settlement likely serving as a retreat for religious individuals. Notable features include a well-preserved Great Mosque and a unique Pillar Tomb inscribed with the date 1681–1682 CE. The site was abandoned around 1700 CE, with inhabitants reportedly relocating to Shela on Lamu Island. The Takwa Ruins, significant for understanding the region's religious and cultural history, were declared a Kenyan National Monument in 1982. The site's architectural remains provide insight into the Swahili culture and its historical context within the Early Modern Period.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Takwa

FileKE-Lamu.png
FileTakwaArch.jpg
FileTakwaBuilding.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs

Religious and Ritual Structures

MosquesPillar Tombs

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Towns

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Kenya
Source
Wikipedia