The Society of Mayotte History and Archaeology (SHAM) was founded in 1990. For the last twenty years it has undertaken archaeological researches on the island in close connection
with the French National Cultural Authorities (DRAC) and the Centre d'Etude et de Recherches sur l'océan Indien occidental et le Monde Austronésien (formerly CEROI, nowadays CROIMA, INALCO,
Paris). Several archaeological sites have already been discovered and studied. Besides, the Society has played a part in the elaboration of the island archaeological map. Its members have
published many articles and books.
Key words: archaeological excavations, Comoro Islands, Mayotte island, Indian Ocean, cultural traditions, Swahili and Malagasy civilisations, Austronesian civilisation, history,
mediaeval pottery, stone architecture, Dembeni civilisation, island civilisation, islamisation, shirazi sultanate, islamic civilisation, mediaeval trade, human migrations.