Journal ArticleA team of researchers from the University of Dodoma conducted a rescue study involving systematic and random land walkover surveys, interviews and group discussions with elders, and minimal excavations around the periphery of the institution. Findings indicate the existence of two traditions that are temporally separated by thousands of years. The lithic artefacts, analysed through a technologi- cal-attribute approach, suggest an older tradition that belongs to the Middle Stone Age prepared Levalloisian core technology that we estimate to have occurred between 60 and 50 ka. The cores were knapped in a unidirectional fashion using hard hammer to produce flakes or blades. The younger materials represent a civilisation of peasant farmers and probably pastoralists, the cause of whose disap- pearance is still unknown. According to oral history, these were the Wambambali people whose disappearance may have been a result of recurrent famines. This civilisation is represented by remains of pottery and of deserted settlements and buildings. Most of the pottery is in pieces (c. 86%) identified to be body parts, while others (c. 14%) represent rims, necks, and shoulders. The buildings were constructed using thatch and daub and they were likely burnt before settling in to solidify the structures. This research represents an important opportu- nity and has convinced us to now call on authorities and other stake- holders to ensure the protection of the cultural heritage through emphasising impact assessment studies prior to any destructive project.