Animal Remains from Industrial Iron Age Communities in Phalaborwa, South Africa

摘要: The Phalaborwa region in the Northern Province of South Africa has one richest copper- and iron-bearing deposits southern Africa. These have been worked for 1200 years are still being worked. abundance ore reduction metal production sites, dating mostly to Late Iron Age, testifies importance these deposits. Those sites that were excavated provide valuable insight into industrial processes, economy, rituals, use animals by specialized communities. faunal remains reflect different lifestyles, but also indicate animal husbandry was not primary importance. communities focused predominantly on production. soils climate very suitable herding agriculture. Subsequently products working activities such as hoes used replacement cattle bride wealth.