The abundance of new glass bead varieties and the abundance of pottery from India, China, and Europe are artefacts at Gombero that show greater foreign engagement. Villagers in Gombero and other locations along Tanzania's northeastern coast (such as Tongoni, Excavation Unit 3 and Mtakani, Site 51a, Excavation Unit 1) frequently ate mud whelks during the last few centuries, possibly as a result of diminishing food supplies (and a growing population).
The presence of diverse glass beads and pottery from India, China, and Europe at Gombero suggests increased foreign interaction.  Additionally, villagers in Gombero and other coastal areas like Tongoni, Mtakani, have historically consumed mud whelks, possibly due to food scarcity and population growth.