Pastoral Nomads of the Central Namib Desert - John Kinahan

Condition: Good. Light cover wear, clean content.
Format: Medium softcover
Published: 1991 (Namibia Archaeological Trust)
Pages: 167
ISBN: 999163102X

John Kinahan has taken Namibian archaeology in one step from a lingering antiquarianism to the avant-garde Journal of African History

This study presents a new and challenging approach to the precolonial history of Namibia. Using primarily archaeological methods, the author has uncovered a wealth of evidence for the development of an indigenous pastoral society during the last two millennia. A detailed picture of the pastoral economy in the Namib emerges from the remains of seasonal encampments and an integrated system of herd management which encompassed all but the most remote and waterless parts of the desert.

The collapse of nomadic pastoralism in the face of nineteenth century commercial penetration is examined in the light of both archaeological and archival evidence, establishing a continuity of events which radically extends the time depth of precolonial history.

The author is Curator of Archaeology at the State Museum in Windhoek and has wide experience in the field in Namibia.