Asa Koma: Echoes of Neolithic Life

Asa Koma, an archaeological site near Lake Abbe in Djibouti's Dikhil Region, unveils a significant chapter in the prehistory of the Horn of Africa. Dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, this 'Red Hill' is a treasure trove of artifacts that illuminate the lives of early Neolithic societies.Excavations at Asa Koma have revealed much about the people who inhabited this area over 3,500 years ago. The discovery of long-horned humpless cattle bones indicates the presence of domesticated cattle, suggesting early herding practices in the region. Fishing was also a vital part of their subsistence, as evidenced by abundant fish remains.The ceramics found at Asa Koma are particularly noteworthy, adorned with punctate and incision geometric designs that bear similarities to those found in ancient Southern Arabian settlements. These cultural connections highlight the exchange of ideas and practices across the Red Sea during this period.As you explore Asa Koma, imagine the landscape as it was millennia ago: a slightly wetter environment with grassy savannahs surrounding the lake. The site itself rises 40 meters above the plain, covering an area of 100,000 square meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. While little remains of the structures built by these early inhabitants, the artifacts they left behind tell a compelling story of adaptation, innovation, and cultural exchange.