NEW LIGHT ON IRONWORKING GROUPS ALONG THEMIDDLE KAVANGO IN NORTHERN NAMIBIA

摘要

Recent research by the University of Cologne has focused on thechronological framework for ironworking groups along the middleKavango. New excavations have provided evidence that metallurgystarted as early as the 5th century AD in this region. Based on potteryclassification and on new radiocarbon dates, there are two occupationphases for ironworking groups in this area, the first from the 5th to the11th century AD and the second from the 16th century until contacttimes. Based on pottery classification from Vungu-Vungu, thebest-analysed site in this area, a definition of ceramics is provided forthe late ironworking groups so as to serve further research and forsupra-regional comparison. The dispersal of characteristic Kavangopottery reflects a complex system of interrelations between theKavango peoples and forager communities. Trade goods becameincorporated into forager hxaro -exchange systems far away from theKavango River.