Iron Age Botswana site sourced copper across southern Africa—but tin from just one place
Around 700 years ago, people living on hilltop settlements on the edge of the Kalahari wore beads, bangles and clips made from metal traded across the southern half of the African continent.
The discovery that Iron Age Botswana sourced copper from various locations across southern Africa, but obtained tin from a single source, is a significant finding that sheds light on the complex trade networks of the time. This level of specialization and organization suggests a high degree of social and economic sophistication among the people living in these hilltop settlements. The fact that they were able to acquire materials from such a wide geographic range also implies a strong system of communication and exchange.
The fact that tin, a crucial component in the production of bronze, was sourced from only one location, highlights the importance of this material in the region's metalworking industry. Bronze was a highly valued material in many ancient societies, and the ability to produce it would have given the people of Iron Age Botswana a significant advantage in terms of tool-making and other technologies. The identification of the single source of tin will likely be an important area of further research, as it could provide insights into the trade routes and relationships between different groups in the region.
As scientists continue to study the trade networks and metalworking practices of Iron Age Botswana, it will be important to watch for further discoveries that can provide a more detailed understanding of the social, economic, and technological dynamics at play. For example, the analysis of other artifacts and materials from the site could reveal more about the daily lives and cultural practices of the people who lived there, and how they interacted with other groups in the region. Additionally, comparisons with other ancient societies in Africa and beyond could provide a broader context for understanding the significance of these findings and the implications for our understanding of human history and cultural development.
Originally reported by phys.org. NewsData adds analysis for science & discovery readers.