Discontinuities in ethnographic time: A view from Africa

摘要: Abstract While there is evidence of discontinuities in the sequences some archaeological sites that exhibit long-term occupation and use over time southern Africa, less such discontinuity ethnographic record. Drawing on interdisciplinary studies African peoples Kalahari Desert, this paper examines historical records. Attention focused primarily two San populations for which detailed diachronic data exist: (1) Ju/’hoansi northwestern Kalahari, (2) !Xoo southwestern region Botswana Namibia. From an ethnographer’s perspective it might at first appear as though was a fair amount continuity Kalahari. It shown, however, have been complex changes period from 1850 to present, occurred result combination factors, including short-term ecological changes, in-migration out-migration various groups, cycles population growth decline, colonization, technological shifts, implementation development conservation programs. The cases illustrate ways activities, mobility, technology, land use, demographic patterns can change both internal external forces, resulting