This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19474531

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Senegal floods uncover fossils in Dakar Senegal floods uncover ancient artefacts in Dakar
(35 minutes later)
Pieces of jewellery, pottery and iron tools dating back thousands of years have been discovered in Senegal's capital, Dakar, following recent floods, researchers say.Pieces of jewellery, pottery and iron tools dating back thousands of years have been discovered in Senegal's capital, Dakar, following recent floods, researchers say.
The discovery was made at a construction site, local academic Alioune Deme told the BBC.The discovery was made at a construction site, local academic Alioune Deme told the BBC.
A colleague, Moustapha Sall, stumbled across the items after the rains washed away sand, he said.A colleague, Moustapha Sall, stumbled across the items after the rains washed away sand, he said.
The objects could date back between 2,000 and 7,000 BC, Mr Deme said.The objects could date back between 2,000 and 7,000 BC, Mr Deme said.
'Perforated shells''Perforated shells'
"The exact date will only be known after tests are carried out," he told the BBC French Service."The exact date will only be known after tests are carried out," he told the BBC French Service.
Mr Deme said he hoped the construction site where the discovery was made could be secured, as he wants to carry out more excavations.Mr Deme said he hoped the construction site where the discovery was made could be secured, as he wants to carry out more excavations.
"Someone is building a house on the site because in Dakar, people are building everywhere," he said."Someone is building a house on the site because in Dakar, people are building everywhere," he said.
"Maybe we will be lucky enough to learn more about the history of the Dakar area.""Maybe we will be lucky enough to learn more about the history of the Dakar area."
Mr Sall, who like Mr Deme works at Dakar's Cheikh Anta Diop university, said he came across the objects by chance in the city's flood-hit Ouest-Foire suburb, AFP news agency reports.Mr Sall, who like Mr Deme works at Dakar's Cheikh Anta Diop university, said he came across the objects by chance in the city's flood-hit Ouest-Foire suburb, AFP news agency reports.
"While visiting the flooded zone, I stumbled upon... pieces of pottery, perforated shells reused as jewellery, iron scoria and small stones including blades which could have been used to cut or carve," Mr Sall is quoted as saying."While visiting the flooded zone, I stumbled upon... pieces of pottery, perforated shells reused as jewellery, iron scoria and small stones including blades which could have been used to cut or carve," Mr Sall is quoted as saying.
"The water washed away the sand and revealed these archaeological objects.""The water washed away the sand and revealed these archaeological objects."
He then called Mr Deme, who lives nearby, and the pair recovered the artefacts.He then called Mr Deme, who lives nearby, and the pair recovered the artefacts.
The floods claimed at least 13 lives and and left thousands of people homeless.The floods claimed at least 13 lives and and left thousands of people homeless.