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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Ethnography, Archaeology, Rock Art and History of Goats (Capra Hircus) in Southern Africa: An Overview
Author:Badenhorst, ShawISNI
Year:2002
Periodical:Anthropology Southern Africa
Volume:25
Issue:3-4
Pages:96-103
Language:English
Geographic term:Southern Africa
Subjects:Iron Age
goats
Anthropology and Archaeology
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Architecture and the Arts
History and Exploration
Abstract:The history, archaeology, ethnography and social status of goats in southern Africa is less well-known than that of cattle. This article provides an overview of the usage and importance of goats as reflected in ethnographical records, as well as an overview of goats in prehistory and the depiction of goats in rock art. Evidence seems to suggest that goats were present at the Cape by the time the Dutch established a supply station in 1652. The question remains: if so, since when? Conclusive archaeological evidence is still lacking. Goat remains from the Early Iron Age are not numerous, but goats seem to have been more numerous and of greater economic importance during the Late Iron Age. Rock art depictions of goats are rare in southern Africa. Of interest is the diversity in the usage and status of goats amongst the different people of the subcontinent. In many instances, this status may be related to environmental conditions. The very fact that most Bantu-speaking people kept goats to some degree during the Iron Age suggests that these animals had some meaning in their societies. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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