An Archaeological Investigation of LSA sites in North Eastern Zimbabwe

A Case Study of Madzimudzangara Rock Shelter, Ruchera and Muchinjike Caves

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cancel this seminar. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Joint seminar IFAS-Research / Wits University
Friday 23 February 2018

13:20 – Origins Building, 2nd floor, Room 212, Wits University

Happinos Marufu (SGAES / Senior Curator of Archaeology at National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe)

The seminar presents results of archaeological surveys and excavations carried out at Late Stone Age (LSA) sites in northern eastern Zimbabwe. In particular, the fieldworks investigated some behavioral elements of LSA communities on the Murewa-Mutoko landscape, as reflected by organisation of lithic technology, subsistence, settlement and/or land use patterns. Preliminary analysis of survey results show selective occupation of the landscape according to several factors which including types of rock shelters, proximity to permanent water sources, plant and animal food. Archaeological excavations, on the other hand, show that some sites were intermittently occupied during the LSA period, a pattern that may be attributed to the aggregation/dispersal of foraging communities as they schedule their exploitation pattern of natural resources. It is also emerging that organisation of lithic technology, subsistence strategies and settlement patterns were part of some adaptive strategies used by foraging communities in north eastern Zimbabwe not only to maintain their occupation of the Murewa-Mutoko landscape but ensuring continual and sustainable exploitation of natural resources.