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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Perpetual motion: resettlement patterns in the Western Transvaal and southeastern Botswana since 1750 |
Author: | Morton, Fred |
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] |