The animal economy of prehistoric farming communities in manicalani), eastern zimbabwe
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Date
2011
Authors
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam,
Abstract
The thesis sought to understand the animal economy of prehistoric farming communities in Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe. It was done within archaeozoological and culture historical methodological frameworks by exploring diachronic as well as synchronic patterns of both wild and domestic animal resource utilization. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. Quantitative research approach was employed in archaeological surveys and excavations during data collection. Faunal, pottery, beads and other data were quantitatively analysed whilst results from ethnographic inquiries were qualitatively analysed. The research strategies were exploratory and comparative. The study has revealed that from the 5th to the 9th centuries AD, EFC’s animal economy was dominated by rearing of small livestock supplemented by few cattle as well as hunting, snaring and gathering. Later Farming Communities associated with socio-political complexity in the 2nd millennium AD had an animal economy that indicated preponderance on cattle with a few small stocks supplemented by minimal hunting. Animal exploitation trends were influenced by the environment, exploitative technology coupled up with human adaptability including communities’ choices against their belief systems and worldview. New data has also revealed that Early Farming Communities in eastern Zimbabwe date from the 3rd to 5th centuries extending into AD 9th century, a much longer period than previously thought. Stable isotope analysis suggests a wetter environment when both sites were occupied than it exists in the areas today. Faunal studies are invaluable in understanding prehistoric human behaviour. In order to fully understand economic, socio-cultural, political histories and trajectories of past communities, their use of animals need to be accorded similar attention to all other archaeological materials.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF GN776.22.Z55S53 )
Keywords
Prehistoric people, Animal remains (archaeology), Agriculture, prehistoric, Economics, prehistoric, Zimbabwe, Manicaland
Citation
Shenjere, P (2011) The animal economy of prehistoric farming communities in manicalani), eastern Zimbabwe, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam