Ancient metallurgy in the Tswapong Hills, Botswana: a preliminary report on archaeological context<br />

Authors

  • T. N. Huffman University of the Witwatersrand
  • P. C. Thebe University of Botswana
  • M. K. Watkeys University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • J. A. Tarduno University of Rochester, New York

Abstract

Archaeo-metallurgical research in the Tswapong Hills of southeastern Botswana has yielded evidence for two smelting traditions. Forced draft furnaces were made by Happy Rest and Diamant communities (KALUNDU TRADITION), while Zhizo communities (Nkope Branch of UREWE) used natural draft furnaces. The ores were similar, so the difference was most likely cultural. During smelting operations, the people stayed in temporary villages, such as Makodu, constructed for that purpose.

Published

2016-12-23

How to Cite

Huffman, T. N., Thebe, P. C., Watkeys, M. K., & Tarduno, J. A. (2016). Ancient metallurgy in the Tswapong Hills, Botswana: a preliminary report on archaeological context<br />. Southern African Humanities, 28, 119–33. Retrieved from https://sahumanities.org/index.php/sah/article/view/342

Issue

Section

Articles