For Immediate Release Contact: Pat Kremer/Nancy O’Shea (312) 665-7100 (For Media Use Only) OCTOBER “African Biodiversity” Featured Scientist Chap Kusimba, Ph.D. Anthropology Department Curator of Anthropology, African Archaeology and Ethnology Chapurukha (Chap) Kusimba, a dual resident of Kenya and the United States, studies the historical relationships of East African people with each other and wildlife. His research focuses on the development of complex societies along the Kenyan coast during pre-colonial times, from 700 to 1500 A.D. Kusimba co-directs anthropological and archaeological research in Tsavo National Park, located 150 kilometers inland of the coast. Tsavo was an important source of trading goods headed for medieval Asian and European states and empires through East African ports and harbors. Some of the most desirable objects included ivory, cat skins, rock crystals, and rhino horns. Kusimba is also interested in the historical relationships between African societies and wildlife – particularly the role that elephants played in opening up impenetrable areas to agro-pastoral farming. “The elephant has an important presence in African culture and is often represented in folklore and art,” says Kusimba. “But its most important impact on African people has been in the way it has shaped much of the natural landscape – making some areas more suitable for human habitation.” Continue