Pastoral Nomads of the Central Namib Desert

Book title: Pastoral Nomads of the Central Namib Desert
Subtitle: The people history forgot
Author: John Kinahan
Publisher: Namibia Archeological Trust; New Namibia Books
Windhoek, Namibia 1991
ISBN 9993346136
Softcover, 15x21 cm, 167 pages, numerous bw maps, maps and sketches

Description:

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 waterless parts of the desert.

The collaps 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 research described here covered several hundred archaeological sites, including the remains of large settlements in areas that are now completely deserted.

Evidence from these sites forms the basis of this book which is my attempt to regain for the history of Namibia those lost episodes of the last two thousand years, from the first appearance of the pastoral economy, until the advent of the colonial era. (...)