Primitive Islam and Architecture in East Africa

KAC Creswell never visited East Africa; indeed if he had he would have seen very little that would have illu-minated his understanding of early Islamic architec-ture. In the 1930's archaeological investigations had not begun, and most of the monuments were covered by thick and impenetrable bush. But within the last thirty years much has been done to clear the principal monu-ments and make plans and elevations.'Archaeological excavations provide a chronology, extending back into the early Islamic period and detailed evidence for timber as well as stone structures. The result is an important group of buildings that illuminate our understanding of the use of Islamic architecture beyond the centers of scholarship and craftsmanship of the central Islamic lands.