Mzonjani and the beginning of the Iron Age in Natal

Authors

  • T. Maggs Natal Museum

Abstract

Mzonjani, dated to the third/fourth century AD represents the earliest expression of the Iron Age in Natal. Apart from Enkwazini it is the only excavated site of this period, and Mzonjani has produced the largest ceramic assemblage, which is described and illustrated. This material is compared with 21 related sites in Natal, and Schofield's classification is shown to be incorrect in terms of sequence and interrelationships. Some tentative ideas on the economy and ecology of these settlements are discussed. There is a close resemblance between these Natal assemblages and eastern Transvaal ones of similar age, as well as undated material from southern Mozambique.

To cite this article: Maggs, T. 1980. Mzonjani and the beginning of the Iron Age in Natal. Annals of the Natal Museum 24 (1): 71-96.

Published

2021-02-04

How to Cite

Maggs, T. (2021). Mzonjani and the beginning of the Iron Age in Natal. Southern African Humanities, 24(1), 71–96. Retrieved from https://sahumanities.org/index.php/sah/article/view/48

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