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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Perpetual motion: resettlement patterns in the Western Transvaal and southeastern Botswana since 1750
Author:Morton, FredISNI
Year:2003
Periodical:Historia: amptelike orgaan
Volume:48
Issue:1
Pages:265-282
Language:English
Geographic terms:South Africa
Transkei
Subjects:Kgatla
Tswana
settlement patterns
history
ethnic groups
Abstract:This article questions the validity of Thomas Huffman's (1986) 'five-level' model of political stratification for African societies in South and Central Africa by outlining the settlement history of the BaKgatla and other 18th and 19th-century societies in the western Transvaal/southeastern Botswana area. The history of these societies demonstrates that a variety of methods other than large concentrated settlements could be used effectively to control large territories and to acquire wealth, particularly in cattle. Rather than defensive by design, most settlements in the Transvaal reflect other priorities, such as enhancing productivity, access to resources and agreeable residential arrangements. The article argues that greater attention needs to be paid to specific societies and their historical circumstances, of which settlement patterns are but a part, and that greater appreciation for the adaptability and ingenuity of Africans is in order. App., notes, ref., sum. in English (p. iv) and Afrikaans. [Journal abstract]
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