SIMIT WEST (site code SMW)
Simit West has been thinly populated in modern times and current settlements
are reputed to have only been established during the second half of the 20th
century by migrants from Simit island. The village began with settlements
at Hooshanikki (or Abdelrahmanikki) and Hamadaar. The names of some of the
hamlets relate to settlements on Simit from which their founders came, or
bear the name of their founders: Dessshaab daar (from Desshaabikki on
Simit), Isaamikki, Abdalamiinikki, Oroomikki, Mishshiinikki, Gubbantawwo,
Gaar.
This area also includes the northern end of the Nile palaeochannel known
as Gaamuffa, the location of numerous prehistoric sites.
SMW001
Simit West Cemetery? -- Medieval?
On the ‘lower’ road close to the river, a thin scatter of medieval sherds
on disturbed ground, probably the site of a medieval (Christian) cemetery.
(Ref: 90/5)
SMW002
Abdelrahmanikki Habitation -- Kerma
A large settlement site on raised ground on the S side of the main khor
at Abdelrahmanirki, close to the river. The site covers an area of
c.1.5ha and some structural remains (stone and mudbrick walls) are visible
on the surface as well as Kerma pottery and some lithics. (Ref: 90/6; topo2/106)
SMW003
Abdelrahmanikki Cemetery Medieval?/Islamic?
A poorly defined cemetery area W of the 'lower' lorry track and SW of Abdelrahmanirki
village. Further investigation of the site is necessary to confirm its date.
(Ref: 90/7; topo2/107)
SMW004 c.19°46.5/30°19.25
Fagirkullenballe Rock Drawings & shrine
A small group of rock drawings on large boulders on the W side of the 'lower'
lorry track, midway between Abdelrahmanirki village and the qubba of Faqiir
Kullen Balle. The location appears to still serve as shrine, with evidence
of offerings and incense burners. (Ref: 90/8)
SMW005 (90/9)
Kullenballee Qubba tombs
Islamic
A well-preserved qubba of Fagir Kullen Balle lies just to the S of Fagirintawo
hamlet. To the W of the standing qubba is another ruined circular mudbrick
structure c.7m in diameter, standing up to 1.7m high. Appearing on De Gottberg’s
map of the region, this qubba predates 1857. (Ref: topo2/118)
SMW006 (90/10)
Hamadar Cemetery ?
A probable cemetery area c.1.5km N of Hamadar in open land between the river
and a range of rock outcrops. A thin scatter of pottery covers the area,
including some late medieval (Christian) sherds. Further work is required
to define the nature and date of this site. (Ref: topo2/121)
SMW007
Simit West Diffi Sheikh Musa
Poorly preserved diffi, built of jalus. Currently used for storage and as
an animal pen. (Ref: topo2/93)
SMW008
Simit West Sh musa structures?
Poorly preserved mud structure. No sherds. Date uncertain. (Ref: Ref:
topo2/94)
SMW009
Simit West Graves?
?
Group of stone-covered mounds, probably graves. No surface sherds. (Ref:
topo2/95)
SMW010
Gaam uffa burning ,sherds
Extensive spread of Neolithic, Kerma and more recent sherds on raised ground.
(Ref: topo2/96)
SMW011
Gaam uffa Occupation
Extensive spread of Neolithic, Kerma and more recent sherds on raised ground.
(Ref: topo2/97)
SMW012
Gaam uffa Occupation
Low mound on E side of wadi, c.3m high, with sherd scatters. (Ref: topo2/98)
SMW013
Gaam uffa Occupation Kerma
Large mound with extensive spreads of sherds including Kerma (Classic Kerma?)
and some possible medieval material. (Ref: topo2/99)
SMW014
Gaam uffa Occupation Neolithic
Low mound with extensive scatters of lithics and Neolithic sherds
SMW015
Simit West graves?
Low mound S of canal covered with loose stones, possibly from grave mounds.
No sherds. (Ref: topo2/101)
SMW016
Aminikki diffi
Site of diffi, almost entirely destroyed, with the exception of a small
part of S wall. Located in area of cultivation. (Ref: topo2/102)
SMW017
Aminikki graves?
A Large mound to W of hamlet, with scatters of stones, mudbricks and redbricks.
Elements of stone slabs of tomb structures visible. Some disturbance and scatters
of bone on surfacein places. No surface sherds found. (Ref: topo2/103)
SMW018
Oroomikki graves?
Single grave, probably postmedieval; outlined in stones, c.2.3 x 2m. (Ref:
topo2/104)
SMW019
Oroomikki Diffi
Large diffi to E of Oroomikki hamlet. Built in jalus, with 1 tower surviving
on W side. (Ref: topo2/105)
SMW020 19°45.901/30°19.479
Hooshaniki shrine?
Shrine measuring c.4.7 x 6.5m. Close to rock drawings SMT004 (Ref: topo2/108)
SMW021
Hooshanikki diffi
Poorly preserved diffi built in jalus and stone at the N end of the hamlet.
One tower partially preserved on S side. (Ref: topo2/109)
SMW022
Hooshanikki ruins Postmedieval
Traces of at least 2 jalus walls, S of SMW023. Very eroded. No surface
sherds noted. (Ref: topo2/112)
SMW023
Hooshanikki ruins
Traces of mud walls forming at least 2 rooms on site close to lorry track,
S of the hamlet. Clusters of grindstones noted. (Ref: topo2/113)
SMW024
Hooshanikki Diffi
Ruins of small diffi, built of jalus, with one tower in SE corner. No surface
sherds noted. (Ref: topo2/114)
SMW025
Mishshinikki diffi Postmedieval
(Ref: topo2/115/7)
SMW026
Hamadar Diffi Postmedieval
Poorly preserved diffi at N end of hamlet close to cultivation area. Built
in jalus. Parts of one tower survive. No surface sherds noted. (Ref:topo2/120)
SMW027 19°48.764/30°18.042
Gaar rock drawings
Group of rock drawings including cattle, elephant and possible scorpion.
(Ref: topo2/122)
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