Ancient metallurgy in the Tswapong Hills, Botswana: a preliminary report on archaeological context, 2017
Archaeo-metallurgical research in the Tswapong Hills of southeastern Botswana has yielded evidenc... more 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.
Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became promi... more Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became prominent in the United States five decades ago and in southern Africa four decades ago. Many archaeologists in the region are employed as contract archaeologists. CA has contributed significantly to the development of archaeological methods and techniques and, to a lesser extent, theory. The development of CA in southern Africa experienced an important transition five decades ago. Despite the progression of CA in the region, the quality and standards of reports are major problems. CA structures have to be developed in order to protect cultural heritage from destructive projects. The elaboration of a relevant and active CA program that engages stakeholders is also vital. The future of CA depends on several factors, including strong legislative frameworks and policies that make pre-development studies mandatory, funding of projects, public consultations, and protection of cultural resources. In addition to implementing several cultural heritage structures, the “polluter pays” principle should be reinforced to safeguard southern African cultural heritage. It is important to develop CA statutes that move beyond archaeological studies, pay attention to heritage, and stress intangible heritage.
Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became promi... more Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became prominent in the United States five decades ago and in southern Africa four decades ago. Many archaeologists in the region are employed as contract archaeologists. CA has contributed significantly to the development of archaeological methods and techniques and, to a lesser extent, theory. The development of CA in southern Africa experienced an important transition five decades ago. Despite the progression of CA in the region, the quality and standards of reports are major problems. CA structures have to be developed in order to protect cultural heritage from destructive projects. The elaboration of a relevant and active CA program that engages stakeholders is also vital. The future of CA depends on several factors, including strong legislative frameworks and policies that make pre-development studies mandatory, funding of projects, public consultations, and protection of cultural resources. I...
Current potters in Manaledi village in the Tswapong Hills of Botswana aver that they and their an... more Current potters in Manaledi village in the Tswapong Hills of Botswana aver that they and their ancestors for five generations have made pottery exclusively with clay from nearby sources. We begin with an examination of Manaledi and its clay mine to uncover current dialectics between village, landscape, clay, potters, and ancestors. Archaeological sherds found around the village and clay sources document occupation by makers of Early Iron Age (ca. AD 500-750), Middle Iron Age (ca. AD 750-1050), Late Iron Age (ca. AD 1420-1800), and 18th-20th century wares related to current Manaledi pottery. The proximity of archaeological deposits, clay sources, and village made it possible to conduct simultaneously what might otherwise be considered three separate projects. As a consequence, we are able to document that Manaledi clays have been used to make pottery for some 1500 years and to consider long-standing constraints on potting this implies.
The paucity of Southern Hemisphere archeomagnetic data limits the resolution of paleosecular vari... more The paucity of Southern Hemisphere archeomagnetic data limits the resolution of paleosecular variation models. At the same time, important changes in the modern and historical field, including the recent dipole decay, appear to originate in this region. Here a new directional record from southern Africa is presented from analysis of Iron Age (ca. 425-1550 CE) archeological materials, which extends the regional secular variation curve back to the first millennium. Previous studies have identified a period of rapid directional change between 1225 and ∼1550 CE. The new data allow us to identify an earlier period of relatively rapid change between the sixth and seventh centuries CE. Implications for models of recurrent flux expulsion at the core-mantle boundary are discussed. In addition, we identify a possible relationship of changes recorded in these African data with archeomagnetic jerks. Plain Language Summary Earth's dipole magnetic field is presently undergoing a rapid decay, best expressed by a deepening area of low field called the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA). This apparent collapse of the geomagnetic field, and speculation about a future field reversal, has captured the public imagination. But we know little about the history of the SAA, limiting our ability to place current changes within a long-term context. Here we present a new magnetic record from sites of southern Africa. The new record supports our prior inferences that the SAA is just the most recent manifestation of a recurring phenomenon in the core beneath Africa-called flux expulsion-that is having a profound impact on the expression of the geomagnetic field. Although several recent studies have improved coverage over the African continent, for example, archeointensities (Kapper et al., 2017; Mitra et al., 2013) and directions (Donadini et al., 2015) from west African archeological sites, these locations remain at least 40 ∘ north of the CMB reversed flux patch (i.e., extrapolated to a surface location) linked to the present-day SAA. We recently presented the first archeomagnetic data from Iron RESEARCH LETTER
Many sites with Zhizo, Leopard Kopje and Khami have been identified in southern and eastern margi... more Many sites with Zhizo, Leopard Kopje and Khami have been identified in southern and eastern margins of Pan, eastern Botswana. This paper presents results of analysis of sherds from three largest sites- Kaitshaa, Thabadimasego, Tora Nju, plus clays from 39 geological deposits.
In this paper, we investigate the factors that influence a potter's choice of clay and temper. We... more In this paper, we investigate the factors that influence a potter's choice of clay and temper. We use an ethno-archaeological approach and examine the role of geographic location, potters' linguistic and ethnic affiliation, and membership of learning networks in each potter's decision to use a particular clay source. Our study included 41 contemporary potters in southeastern Botswana. We analyzed the chemical elements in clay and potsherds using a portable XRF instrument. The results indicate that the selection of potting clay here is principally dictated by distance to the source; all else being equal, potters get their clay from the nearest source. Their cultural, political and linguistic affiliations or membership of particular learning networks played, at best, a secondary role in the choice of raw materials for pottery.
analedi potters today are
arguably the most skilled
in the Tswapong Hills,
producing large pots h... more analedi potters today are arguably the most skilled in the Tswapong Hills, producing large pots holding as much as 50 litres, for water storage and sorghum-beer brewing, as well as a variety of small functional and decorative wares.
ABSTRAcT Archaeo-metallurgical research in the Tswapong Hills of southeastern Botswana has yielde... more 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.
The paper discusses challenges associated with managing cultural landscapes at Mogonye, Southern ... more The paper discusses challenges associated with managing cultural landscapes at Mogonye, Southern District, Botswana. In this area, different stakeholders attach diverse values to the same locale. This has become challenging in the face of heritage tourism since some stakeholders are perceived as detrimental to the resources that are otherwise valuable to other stakeholders. These so-called 'destroyers' are therefore considered as 'outsiders' –the 'other'. However, the perceived 'other' do not see themselves as being environmentally unfriendly but recognise themselves as having the right to the resources too. In discussing heritage tourism and values attached to the cultural landscape, the scientifi c, tourism, and spiritual values among others of the MmaMotshwane waterfalls are underscored. This paper further discusses gorges within theoretical frameworks developed by heritage practitioners and geographers in the fi eld of recreation and tourism. To the local community of Mogonye, MmaMotshwane Gorge is a sacred site; a spiritual haven to traditional doctors and churches while to tourists and other stakeholders, the gorge remains a scientifi c, recreational and economic resource. Examples are drawn from various parts of the world including Jamaica, South Africa and Botswana.
Throughout the history of potting in Botswana, from about CE200 to the present, potters have used... more Throughout the history of potting in Botswana, from about CE200 to the present, potters have used a variety of clays. Alluvial clays are favored by most potters today, but petrographic analyses show that prehistoric potters preferred primary clays directly derived from granite and basalt. Fortunately, a few potters in the region today still use granite-derived clays. We trace the processes by which potters of Pilikwe village mine weathered granite from a source at Moijabana and transform it through a series of crushing, pounding, sifting, and wetting actions into a paste that can be used the following day to form pots. These mechanical operations accelerate natural rock weathering processes that form clays and in a single day achieve what in nature takes thousands of years. Successive stages of clay collection and processing were observed, recorded, and filmed; samples from each stage were subsequently analyzed by thin-section optical petrography. Fabrics of pots made from this processed clay were analyzed by identical means and compared with the raw materials.
For many years, archaeologists in Southern Africa have equated pottery "style" with archaeologica... more For many years, archaeologists in Southern Africa have equated pottery "style" with archaeological "cultures" and modern ethnolinguistic groups. In order to investigate this association, we undertook an ethnoarchaeological study of 41 contemporary potters in south-eastern Botswana to observe what social groupings of potters correlate with their preferences for a particular style of making and decorating pots. This paper presents and analyses the firing stage of pottery manufacturing in contemporary south-eastern Botswana and looks for social boundaries in the preference for firing techniques. Unlike a study completed half a century ago, we find that firing technique preferences are village based and reflect the common technique used by potters in that locality, regardless of their linguistic affiliation, ethnic group membership, gender, age, religious persuasion or the network in which they learnt their craft.
The presumed link between pottery style and linguistic identity has
played a key role in the arch... more The presumed link between pottery style and linguistic identity has played a key role in the archaeological interpretation of the peopling of southern Africa. To re-assess this link, we study ceramic vessel decorations used by 41 contemporary potters in southeastern Botswana, who are from two separate language groups, come from six different ethnic groups, learned their craft in one of five different ‘schools’ of pottery and live scattered in ten different villages. Our observations of ceramic style are on a small sample of pots available at the time of fieldwork. We isolate 24 attributes under three major categories of decoration motif, technique of plastic decoration and surface treatment. Our study shows that in contemporary southeastern Botswana pottery style does not help to distinguish the pots made by potters from different language groups. However, to varying degrees it can reveal differences in the products of potters from different locations, ethnic groups and schools of learning.
In southern African archaeology, the equation of pottery styles with archaeological 'cultures' an... more In southern African archaeology, the equation of pottery styles with archaeological 'cultures' and their attribution to the antecedents of contemporary ethnic groups has been a common practice for a long time. Ethnoarchaeological studies from other parts of Africa and beyond have shown that the matter is complex and that stylistic and technological boundaries in ceramic distributions can reflect different kinds of social boundaries under different circumstances. To expand on these findings and make them locally relevant, a large-scale ethnoarchaeological study of 41 potters in southeastern Botswana aims for a better understanding of ceramic technological style and boundary relations. Here, we present and explain only the results concerning the boundaries in the forming and shaping stage of ceramic vessel manufacture. We conclude that learning networks explain the visible boundaries in the technological style of forming and shaping pots in southeastern Botswana today; language and ethnic affiliation do not. Boundaries in the other stages in the operational sequence of pottery manufacture, such as clay sourcing and preparation , vessel surface treatment and decoration, firing and finishing, will be presented in a series of further publications.
This study integrates various multidisciplinary approaches on ceramics that provide coherent answ... more This study integrates various multidisciplinary approaches on ceramics that provide coherent answers to the past, present and possibly the future of the subject. Special focus is on the four main stages of pottery production in southeastern Botswana: raw material acquisition and processing, forming and shaping , decoration and surface treatment, and fi ring and fi nishing of pots. The purpose is to demonstrate the changing pottery traditions in Botswana over the last 50 years. This period is marked by confl icting land uses affecting pottery raw materials due to the expansion of villages, cities and industries following the post-Independence economic boom. Global warning has also taken its toll on potters as there is a shortage of resources –especially clay, temper, oxides, fuel and water. In recent years, potters who have adopted modern technology by spinning their pottery on the wheel and using modern kilns that require power, but these have been affected by power shortages. In addition, traditional potters face water shortages due to recent drought and fuel for making pots as a result of deforestation. Despite these challenges, potters in southeastern Botswana still fi nd potting to be a source of livelihood beyond subsistence farming, which also is drastically affected by global warming.
Ancient metallurgy in the Tswapong Hills, Botswana: a preliminary report on archaeological context, 2017
Archaeo-metallurgical research in the Tswapong Hills of southeastern Botswana has yielded evidenc... more 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.
Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became promi... more Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became prominent in the United States five decades ago and in southern Africa four decades ago. Many archaeologists in the region are employed as contract archaeologists. CA has contributed significantly to the development of archaeological methods and techniques and, to a lesser extent, theory. The development of CA in southern Africa experienced an important transition five decades ago. Despite the progression of CA in the region, the quality and standards of reports are major problems. CA structures have to be developed in order to protect cultural heritage from destructive projects. The elaboration of a relevant and active CA program that engages stakeholders is also vital. The future of CA depends on several factors, including strong legislative frameworks and policies that make pre-development studies mandatory, funding of projects, public consultations, and protection of cultural resources. In addition to implementing several cultural heritage structures, the “polluter pays” principle should be reinforced to safeguard southern African cultural heritage. It is important to develop CA statutes that move beyond archaeological studies, pay attention to heritage, and stress intangible heritage.
Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became promi... more Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became prominent in the United States five decades ago and in southern Africa four decades ago. Many archaeologists in the region are employed as contract archaeologists. CA has contributed significantly to the development of archaeological methods and techniques and, to a lesser extent, theory. The development of CA in southern Africa experienced an important transition five decades ago. Despite the progression of CA in the region, the quality and standards of reports are major problems. CA structures have to be developed in order to protect cultural heritage from destructive projects. The elaboration of a relevant and active CA program that engages stakeholders is also vital. The future of CA depends on several factors, including strong legislative frameworks and policies that make pre-development studies mandatory, funding of projects, public consultations, and protection of cultural resources. I...
Current potters in Manaledi village in the Tswapong Hills of Botswana aver that they and their an... more Current potters in Manaledi village in the Tswapong Hills of Botswana aver that they and their ancestors for five generations have made pottery exclusively with clay from nearby sources. We begin with an examination of Manaledi and its clay mine to uncover current dialectics between village, landscape, clay, potters, and ancestors. Archaeological sherds found around the village and clay sources document occupation by makers of Early Iron Age (ca. AD 500-750), Middle Iron Age (ca. AD 750-1050), Late Iron Age (ca. AD 1420-1800), and 18th-20th century wares related to current Manaledi pottery. The proximity of archaeological deposits, clay sources, and village made it possible to conduct simultaneously what might otherwise be considered three separate projects. As a consequence, we are able to document that Manaledi clays have been used to make pottery for some 1500 years and to consider long-standing constraints on potting this implies.
The paucity of Southern Hemisphere archeomagnetic data limits the resolution of paleosecular vari... more The paucity of Southern Hemisphere archeomagnetic data limits the resolution of paleosecular variation models. At the same time, important changes in the modern and historical field, including the recent dipole decay, appear to originate in this region. Here a new directional record from southern Africa is presented from analysis of Iron Age (ca. 425-1550 CE) archeological materials, which extends the regional secular variation curve back to the first millennium. Previous studies have identified a period of rapid directional change between 1225 and ∼1550 CE. The new data allow us to identify an earlier period of relatively rapid change between the sixth and seventh centuries CE. Implications for models of recurrent flux expulsion at the core-mantle boundary are discussed. In addition, we identify a possible relationship of changes recorded in these African data with archeomagnetic jerks. Plain Language Summary Earth's dipole magnetic field is presently undergoing a rapid decay, best expressed by a deepening area of low field called the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA). This apparent collapse of the geomagnetic field, and speculation about a future field reversal, has captured the public imagination. But we know little about the history of the SAA, limiting our ability to place current changes within a long-term context. Here we present a new magnetic record from sites of southern Africa. The new record supports our prior inferences that the SAA is just the most recent manifestation of a recurring phenomenon in the core beneath Africa-called flux expulsion-that is having a profound impact on the expression of the geomagnetic field. Although several recent studies have improved coverage over the African continent, for example, archeointensities (Kapper et al., 2017; Mitra et al., 2013) and directions (Donadini et al., 2015) from west African archeological sites, these locations remain at least 40 ∘ north of the CMB reversed flux patch (i.e., extrapolated to a surface location) linked to the present-day SAA. We recently presented the first archeomagnetic data from Iron RESEARCH LETTER
Many sites with Zhizo, Leopard Kopje and Khami have been identified in southern and eastern margi... more Many sites with Zhizo, Leopard Kopje and Khami have been identified in southern and eastern margins of Pan, eastern Botswana. This paper presents results of analysis of sherds from three largest sites- Kaitshaa, Thabadimasego, Tora Nju, plus clays from 39 geological deposits.
In this paper, we investigate the factors that influence a potter's choice of clay and temper. We... more In this paper, we investigate the factors that influence a potter's choice of clay and temper. We use an ethno-archaeological approach and examine the role of geographic location, potters' linguistic and ethnic affiliation, and membership of learning networks in each potter's decision to use a particular clay source. Our study included 41 contemporary potters in southeastern Botswana. We analyzed the chemical elements in clay and potsherds using a portable XRF instrument. The results indicate that the selection of potting clay here is principally dictated by distance to the source; all else being equal, potters get their clay from the nearest source. Their cultural, political and linguistic affiliations or membership of particular learning networks played, at best, a secondary role in the choice of raw materials for pottery.
analedi potters today are
arguably the most skilled
in the Tswapong Hills,
producing large pots h... more analedi potters today are arguably the most skilled in the Tswapong Hills, producing large pots holding as much as 50 litres, for water storage and sorghum-beer brewing, as well as a variety of small functional and decorative wares.
ABSTRAcT Archaeo-metallurgical research in the Tswapong Hills of southeastern Botswana has yielde... more 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.
The paper discusses challenges associated with managing cultural landscapes at Mogonye, Southern ... more The paper discusses challenges associated with managing cultural landscapes at Mogonye, Southern District, Botswana. In this area, different stakeholders attach diverse values to the same locale. This has become challenging in the face of heritage tourism since some stakeholders are perceived as detrimental to the resources that are otherwise valuable to other stakeholders. These so-called 'destroyers' are therefore considered as 'outsiders' –the 'other'. However, the perceived 'other' do not see themselves as being environmentally unfriendly but recognise themselves as having the right to the resources too. In discussing heritage tourism and values attached to the cultural landscape, the scientifi c, tourism, and spiritual values among others of the MmaMotshwane waterfalls are underscored. This paper further discusses gorges within theoretical frameworks developed by heritage practitioners and geographers in the fi eld of recreation and tourism. To the local community of Mogonye, MmaMotshwane Gorge is a sacred site; a spiritual haven to traditional doctors and churches while to tourists and other stakeholders, the gorge remains a scientifi c, recreational and economic resource. Examples are drawn from various parts of the world including Jamaica, South Africa and Botswana.
Throughout the history of potting in Botswana, from about CE200 to the present, potters have used... more Throughout the history of potting in Botswana, from about CE200 to the present, potters have used a variety of clays. Alluvial clays are favored by most potters today, but petrographic analyses show that prehistoric potters preferred primary clays directly derived from granite and basalt. Fortunately, a few potters in the region today still use granite-derived clays. We trace the processes by which potters of Pilikwe village mine weathered granite from a source at Moijabana and transform it through a series of crushing, pounding, sifting, and wetting actions into a paste that can be used the following day to form pots. These mechanical operations accelerate natural rock weathering processes that form clays and in a single day achieve what in nature takes thousands of years. Successive stages of clay collection and processing were observed, recorded, and filmed; samples from each stage were subsequently analyzed by thin-section optical petrography. Fabrics of pots made from this processed clay were analyzed by identical means and compared with the raw materials.
For many years, archaeologists in Southern Africa have equated pottery "style" with archaeologica... more For many years, archaeologists in Southern Africa have equated pottery "style" with archaeological "cultures" and modern ethnolinguistic groups. In order to investigate this association, we undertook an ethnoarchaeological study of 41 contemporary potters in south-eastern Botswana to observe what social groupings of potters correlate with their preferences for a particular style of making and decorating pots. This paper presents and analyses the firing stage of pottery manufacturing in contemporary south-eastern Botswana and looks for social boundaries in the preference for firing techniques. Unlike a study completed half a century ago, we find that firing technique preferences are village based and reflect the common technique used by potters in that locality, regardless of their linguistic affiliation, ethnic group membership, gender, age, religious persuasion or the network in which they learnt their craft.
The presumed link between pottery style and linguistic identity has
played a key role in the arch... more The presumed link between pottery style and linguistic identity has played a key role in the archaeological interpretation of the peopling of southern Africa. To re-assess this link, we study ceramic vessel decorations used by 41 contemporary potters in southeastern Botswana, who are from two separate language groups, come from six different ethnic groups, learned their craft in one of five different ‘schools’ of pottery and live scattered in ten different villages. Our observations of ceramic style are on a small sample of pots available at the time of fieldwork. We isolate 24 attributes under three major categories of decoration motif, technique of plastic decoration and surface treatment. Our study shows that in contemporary southeastern Botswana pottery style does not help to distinguish the pots made by potters from different language groups. However, to varying degrees it can reveal differences in the products of potters from different locations, ethnic groups and schools of learning.
In southern African archaeology, the equation of pottery styles with archaeological 'cultures' an... more In southern African archaeology, the equation of pottery styles with archaeological 'cultures' and their attribution to the antecedents of contemporary ethnic groups has been a common practice for a long time. Ethnoarchaeological studies from other parts of Africa and beyond have shown that the matter is complex and that stylistic and technological boundaries in ceramic distributions can reflect different kinds of social boundaries under different circumstances. To expand on these findings and make them locally relevant, a large-scale ethnoarchaeological study of 41 potters in southeastern Botswana aims for a better understanding of ceramic technological style and boundary relations. Here, we present and explain only the results concerning the boundaries in the forming and shaping stage of ceramic vessel manufacture. We conclude that learning networks explain the visible boundaries in the technological style of forming and shaping pots in southeastern Botswana today; language and ethnic affiliation do not. Boundaries in the other stages in the operational sequence of pottery manufacture, such as clay sourcing and preparation , vessel surface treatment and decoration, firing and finishing, will be presented in a series of further publications.
This study integrates various multidisciplinary approaches on ceramics that provide coherent answ... more This study integrates various multidisciplinary approaches on ceramics that provide coherent answers to the past, present and possibly the future of the subject. Special focus is on the four main stages of pottery production in southeastern Botswana: raw material acquisition and processing, forming and shaping , decoration and surface treatment, and fi ring and fi nishing of pots. The purpose is to demonstrate the changing pottery traditions in Botswana over the last 50 years. This period is marked by confl icting land uses affecting pottery raw materials due to the expansion of villages, cities and industries following the post-Independence economic boom. Global warning has also taken its toll on potters as there is a shortage of resources –especially clay, temper, oxides, fuel and water. In recent years, potters who have adopted modern technology by spinning their pottery on the wheel and using modern kilns that require power, but these have been affected by power shortages. In addition, traditional potters face water shortages due to recent drought and fuel for making pots as a result of deforestation. Despite these challenges, potters in southeastern Botswana still fi nd potting to be a source of livelihood beyond subsistence farming, which also is drastically affected by global warming.
The notion that ceramic styles mark ethnic and linguistic groups is problematic. The notion perce... more The notion that ceramic styles mark ethnic and linguistic groups is problematic. The notion perceives cultures as geographically discrete with distinct material and cultural traits. Research in the 1960s has demonstrated that social boundaries are a product of interaction and not isolation. Ethnoarchaeological research in the 1970s and 1980s adopted information exchange and social interaction models to understand stylistic boundaries. These studies show that material culture style does not always mark ethnic or linguistic boundaries and may not be prominent if there is no competition for resources. Depending on a number of factors, style variations in material culture may mark the style of an individual, a community of practice or social identity. Other factors are also relevant; the matter is complex. To investigate this complexity, an ethnoarchaeological study was launched to study the products of 41 contemporary potters affiliated with different social, political and linguistic groups in south-eastern Botswana. This study demonstrates that variations in different parts of the process of manufacturing ceramics can mark different kinds of social boundaries.Clay sourcing strategies in south-eastern Botswana today show that the choice in the selection of potting clay is principally dictated by distance to the source. In contrast, in the forming and shaping of pots, boundaries are influenced more by teacher-learner networks than ethnic group and geographic location. Decoration styles also show strong association to learning networks. Geographic location is more influential in determining techniques of firing pots. Here, ―community of practice‖ and mobility of potters present significant stylistic and technological boundaries. The chaîne opératoire of living pottery traditions may assist in the interpretation of pottery in the Iron Age of southern Africa, however, the connection between the past and present is complex.
Pottery is the most frequently found artifact in African Iron Age Sites. This study summarizes th... more Pottery is the most frequently found artifact in African Iron Age Sites. This study summarizes the results of an archaeological study of pottery from Ntsweng, near Molepolole in south central Botswana. Ntsweng is the former capital of Bakwena and was occupied between 1864-1937. A review of ethnographic sources concerning other Tswana groups like Bangwaketse, Bangwato and Bakgatla tends to show that it is very difficult to distinguish Bakwena pottery from that of other Tswana groups purely on stylistic grounds. However, the presence of mica and asbestos are strong features to note about Bakwena pottery. In other words, fabric type rather than decorative motif may be the most important variable for differentiating pottery made by different Tswana groups.
The Republic of Botswana, approximately the size of Texas or France with an area of 231,803 squa... more The Republic of Botswana, approximately the size of Texas or France with an area of 231,803 square miles, is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa, with just 1.6 million inhabitants. The capital city, Gaborone (pronounced HA-bore-own), situated in the southeastern part of the country less than 20 miles from the South African border, was built from scratch at independence in 1966. 1 It is now home to 10 percent of the nation’s population, while another 50 percent live within 60 miles of the capital. An additional 30 percent of the population lives along the eastern side of the country, clustered around the towns of Mahalapye, Palapye, Serowe, Selibe-Phikwe, and Francistown.
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Papers by Phenyo Thebe
arguably the most skilled
in the Tswapong Hills,
producing large pots holding
as much as 50 litres, for water
storage and sorghum-beer
brewing, as well as a variety of small functional
and decorative wares.
played a key role in the archaeological interpretation of the
peopling of southern Africa. To re-assess this link, we study
ceramic vessel decorations used by 41 contemporary potters in
southeastern Botswana, who are from two separate language
groups, come from six different ethnic groups, learned their craft
in one of five different ‘schools’ of pottery and live scattered in
ten different villages. Our observations of ceramic style are on a
small sample of pots available at the time of fieldwork. We isolate
24 attributes under three major categories of decoration motif,
technique of plastic decoration and surface treatment. Our study
shows that in contemporary southeastern Botswana pottery style
does not help to distinguish the pots made by potters from
different language groups. However, to varying degrees it can
reveal differences in the products of potters from different
locations, ethnic groups and schools of learning.
arguably the most skilled
in the Tswapong Hills,
producing large pots holding
as much as 50 litres, for water
storage and sorghum-beer
brewing, as well as a variety of small functional
and decorative wares.
played a key role in the archaeological interpretation of the
peopling of southern Africa. To re-assess this link, we study
ceramic vessel decorations used by 41 contemporary potters in
southeastern Botswana, who are from two separate language
groups, come from six different ethnic groups, learned their craft
in one of five different ‘schools’ of pottery and live scattered in
ten different villages. Our observations of ceramic style are on a
small sample of pots available at the time of fieldwork. We isolate
24 attributes under three major categories of decoration motif,
technique of plastic decoration and surface treatment. Our study
shows that in contemporary southeastern Botswana pottery style
does not help to distinguish the pots made by potters from
different language groups. However, to varying degrees it can
reveal differences in the products of potters from different
locations, ethnic groups and schools of learning.
and not isolation. Ethnoarchaeological research in the 1970s and 1980s adopted information exchange and social interaction models to understand stylistic boundaries. These studies show that material culture style does not always mark ethnic or linguistic boundaries and
may not be prominent if there is no competition for resources. Depending on a number of factors, style variations in material culture may mark the style of an individual, a community of practice or social identity. Other factors are also relevant; the matter is
complex.
To investigate this complexity, an ethnoarchaeological study was launched to study the products of 41 contemporary potters affiliated with different social, political and linguistic groups in south-eastern Botswana. This study demonstrates that variations in different parts of the process of manufacturing ceramics can mark different kinds of social boundaries.Clay sourcing strategies in south-eastern Botswana today show that the choice in the selection of potting clay is principally dictated by distance to the source. In contrast, in the forming and shaping of pots, boundaries are influenced more by teacher-learner networks than ethnic group and geographic location. Decoration styles also show strong association to learning networks. Geographic location is more influential in determining techniques of firing pots. Here, ―community of practice‖ and mobility of potters present significant
stylistic and technological boundaries. The chaîne opératoire of living pottery traditions may assist in the interpretation of pottery in the Iron Age of southern Africa, however, the connection between the past and present is complex.