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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Goats (Capra Hircus), the Khoekhoen and Pastoralism: Current Evidence from Southern Africa
Author:Badenhorst, ShawISNI
Year:2006
Periodical:African Archaeological Review
Volume:23
Issue:3-4
Period:September
Pages:45-53
Language:English
Geographic term:Southern Africa
Subjects:archaeology
Khoikhoi
goats
Stone Age
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Anthropology and Archaeology
External link:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10437-006-9007-0
Abstract:The current archaeological evidence for the presence of goats among herder societies in southern Africa is reviewed. Presumably, the Khoekhoen obtained goats from Bantu-speaking farmers, but the exact timing of diffusion is still unknown. Archaeological evidence for the presence of goats in the Western Cape remains, to date, elusive, despite historical reference to goats. It is often impossible to distinguish sheep from goat based on fragmentary archaeological remains such as those commonly found in southern Africa. Intrinsic physiological characteristics make goats suitable farm animals, and they may commonly have acted as sheep-leaders during prehistoric times, a practice noted amongst the Khoekhoen during the early part of the 19th century. Acting as sheep-leaders might have required herders to deliberately keep goat numbers low. There are few depictions of goats in southern African rock art. Bibliogr., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]
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