Sodiri_preliminary report_1

Institute of Prehistory
Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, Poland
National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums, Sudan
Archaeological Survey in the Sodiri Region, 2011
Preliminary Report
Sodiri 2011

1. Introduction
The Kurdufan region of the Sudan is not very well recognized from archaeological point of
view. Very few systematic archaeological projects have been carried out there before. So the
knowledge about the archeological remains in the region is very limited. As part of the Polish-
Sudanese project the idea appeared to carry out a preliminary survey in some selected areas.
The field work of the joint project run from February 3 rd till February 7 th , 2011.
2. The aim of the project
The main aim of the project was to identify and record archaeological sites in the area of
Sodiri. The purpose of it was to get information about archaeological remains in the region,
recognize the potential for future research as well as to get a knowledge about the state of
preservation of archaeological heritage.
3. Method
The field-walking was the main method applied for the survey. Both the aim as well as timing
of the project allowed only for very quick survey. The team was divided into two persons
groups which investigated the area. Each group recorded the path using GPS as well as
precisely individual features: grinding stones, iron slag, sherds of pottery, graves, tumuli,
boundaries of sites, buildings, etc. For three survey areas we used satellite images (from
Google Earth) as a basic maps. The fourth area (Al-Nurein) was out of the range of preprepared
satellite images but all data was also recorded using GPS.
Most of archeological features recorded were documented by using digital photographs.
All data got cross-checking references and will allow to identify within space. Written
description of was also a part of documentation. As part of the documentation information
about the threats of sites and features were recorded.
Photo 1. Photographic documentation of the damaged archaeological feature (natural process).

As a result of survey and analysis of collected data a spatial database will be created.
An ethnographic survey was also included as part of the project to get wider view on
approach of local societies to past remains (see below).
4. The team
The joint project was organized by Institute of Prehistory Adam Mickiewicz
University in Poznań (Poland) and National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums in
Khartoum (Sudan). The team consisted of:
a. Ali Elmirghani Ahmed, MA, project coordinator
b. Mariusz Drzewiecki, MA
c. Piotr Maliński, MA
d. Łukasz Banaszek, MA
e. Adam Adamski
f. Adrian Chlebowski
g. Włodzimierz Rączkowski, Professor – scientific advisor
During the field work the above team was joined by two representatives of the local
government authorities: Miss Aisha Alnour and Mr Mohamed Adam Alzpir. Two drivers,
Agaad and Hameed were also important members of the team during the field work.
5. Survey areas
Photo 2. Team members in the field
Four sample areas have been selected as sample areas for survey. They are catchments of
jebels: Al Baklai, Al-Nurein, Souni al-Songor and Al-Grian.

Photo 3. Areas of survey in the Sodiri Region: 1 – Al Baklai, 2 – Hilat al-Nurein, 3 – Suoni al-
Songor, 4 – Gebel al-Grian
6. Results
Al Baklai
On the plateau at the top of the mountain there are more then 40 water containers or
collectors. They are cut in the bedrock. The biggest one reach about 7 m in depth and is about
4 m wide. Some of the collectors are surrounded by small stone walls which function
probably was to direct the water flouting down the slope to the collectors. In the south west
part of the plateau there are about 15 stone features (about 90 cm in diameter). Their direct
function is not determined.
Moreover at the bottom of the mountain there are located graveyards. Different types
of graves were registered (stone tumuli, flat graves covered by stones, earth barrows). Some
amounts of pottery sherds can be noticed on the surface.

Photo 4. Distribution of sites recorded during field survey in Al Baklai area
Photo 5. Early Islamic grave in Eastern part of the mountain

Photo 6. One of the cistern still filled by water on the top of the mountain
Hilat al_Nurein
On the plateau at the top of the mountain there is located a settlement of dimensions
approximately 700x500 meters. It’s central point is an extended (ca. 100x50 meters) water
collector (Hafir). Borders of the collector are constructed by stone walls covered with the mud
taken from the inside. Moreover there are ca. 70-80 rounded stone huts, partially preserved up
to 1.3 meter high. Some of the huts are clustered and remind in shape cell-structures. In
addition between the huts one can spot rounded stone structures of undetermined function.
Also water containers cut in bedrock are present at the site. From the West the settlement is
limited by a stone wall, with a potentially 1 gate/entrance. Massive amounts of pottery sherds
and few flint tools can be noticed on the surface.
Photo 7. Remains of the settlement in Al-Nurein

Photo 8. The wall and gate of the settlement
Photo 9. Example of tumuli in Al-Nurein

Moreover there is a second smaller settlement with similar huts and water collectors
located West from the first one.
It is a common feature that at the bottom of the mountains of the region there are
located graveyards. Different types of graves were registered (stone tumuli, flat graves
covered by stones, earth barrows). In addition, in the West part of surveyed area there is a
historical Islamic graveyard for children.
Suoni al- Songor
In this area no settlement was identified. However at the bottom of the mountains of
the region enormous number of graveyards is present. Different types of graves were
registered (stone tumuli, flat graves covered by stones, earth barrows). Some amounts of
pottery sherds can be noticed on the surface. Moreover there were also identified iron slag,
which might be the evidence for local iron melting.
Photo 10. Distribution of recorded archaeological features in the area of Souni al-Songor and Gebel al-
Grian

Photo 11. Example of very common form of tumuli in Suoni al-Songor
Gebel al-Grian
In this area no settlement was identified. However at the bottom of the mountains of
the region enormous number of graveyards is present. Different types of graves were
registered (stone tumuli, flat graves covered by stones, earth barrows). Some amounts of
pottery sherds can be noticed on the surface. Moreover there were also identified iron slag,
which might be the evidence for local iron melting. In the South part of the surveyed area
there is located historical Islamic graveyard, which could be still in use.

Photo 12. “Aerial” view on a complex of tumuli in Eastern part of the studied area
7. Ethnographic research
Photo 13. Example of tumuli in the studied area
The ethnographical research conducted during the fieldwork was an integral part of the
interdisciplinary research project. The contemporary socio-cultural context of the

archaeological sites was the main subject of research. Methodological assumption concerned
the efficiency of using research tools characteristic for ethnography. Within the fieldwork, an
ethnological observations were applied as well as open interviews with local communities
members. Research results were documented by means of recordings and digital photographs.
Research was conducted both in Al-Nurein village, inhabited by the Bedariya tribe, as
well as in Souni Al-Songor village, inhabited by the Kawahla tribe.
According to interviews results, villagers have got knowledge about locations of
material remains of the past in these localities. Such kind of information could help
archaeologists to find new sites. Moreover, local people can easy recognize and distinguish
settlements and cemeteries. Oral tradition states that both were build by ‘Anag – legendary
race (or tribe) of giants. These ancient people are also called Abu Qonaan. Some local
inhabitants regard them as pagans, another think that ‘Anag (Abu Qonaan) were Christians.
Photo 14. Inhabitant of Al-Nurein village shows location of the site to member of the mission.
During the fieldwork, few information about structures of tumuli, their contents (grave
goods) and even position of burials were recorded. Villagers could get this knowledge from
three kind of sources:
• from observation of certain places where water, flowing down from hills during rains,
destroyed tumuli;
• from direct contact with archaeological remains during traditional earthwork (for example
agriculture and building);
• from grave-robbing activity, as traces of illegal excavations are clearly visible at some tumuli
cemeteries.

Photo 15. Grave-robbing shaft in tumuli near Souni Al-Songor.
There are also sites where tumuli and recent Muslim graves existed together as one cemetery.
Some of Muslim graves are probably burials of local Sheikhs and there are some traces of
present-day traditional customs (for example taking out soil from graves, which is believed to
content baraka). Events of such type could constitute an evidence for reinterpretation of
holiness of burial places apart from time-induced cultural changes, appearance of new
religions or ethnic groups. On the other hand, such phenomenon could be interpreted as
symbolic seizure of area which ‘belongs to the past’ and its adaptation to the contemporary
religious system.
Photo 16. Muslim graves and tumuli located together at one cemetery near Souni Al-Songor.
It should to be mentioned here that also traditional material culture of the Bedariya and
Kawahla tribes was the subject of research. For example inhabitants of Al-Nurein village

demonstrate traditional pottery jars of huge size. Analysis of their form and decoration could
be useful for comparative studies on pottery from archaeological sites.
Photo 17. Villagers from Al-Nurein demonstrate traditional forms of pottery.
In Souni Al-Songor local people demonstrate traditional grinding-stones (such
artifacts are widely known also from archaeological sites). Many objects made of leather,
wool and wood were recorded as well. According to traditional customs of the Kawahla tribe,
a set of these objects constitute dowry of the bride.
Photo 18. The Kawahla woman demonstrates traditional way of grinding sorghum.

Photo 19. Set of traditional objects in Souni Al-Songor village.
Photo 20. Member of the Kawahla tribe demonstrates traditional drums.
Results of fieldwork proved that traditional culture of tribes inhabiting Northern
Kordofan is an interesting subject of ethnographical research. Due to limited time in this
season, some of cultural phenomena were registered only, but without doubt they need
further, detailed and methodical research. There is, therefore, a wide perspective of continuing
ethnographical field studies in the next seasons. Effects of such work can be used for
promotion of local folklore as one of region’s tourist attraction.

8. Conclusions
The very rapid survey proved huge potential of the region from archaeological point of
view. There were found a number of archaeological remains, mostly graves. The
differences in construction of them suggest that the area was occupied by long time in the
past.
Most of sites are well preserved and well visible in the landscape. However some
natural and cultural processes were identified which create threats for the archaeological
heritage. There are erosion, agriculture (especially in Eastern part of Souni Al-Songor)
and looting among them.