Chapurukha M. Kusimba

Kusimba is an expert on the origins and the Swahili people of the east African coast. Through meticulous archeological, linguistic, ethnographic, and ancient DNA research he has demonstrated the strong influence of inland peoples in the emergence of Swahili culture. The roots of this Bantu-speaking Muslim culture begin at least two millennia ago. He tracks the historical patterns in which the emerging African elite adopted Islam and highlights the role of global trade and urbanism. This process includes iron working, maritime exchange, the establishment of inter-ethnic alliances and promotion of global relationships.