Short description
This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of African archaeology.
Long description
Research in Africa is now accepted as an integral part of global archaeological studies. As well as providing archaeologists with the oldest material, Africa is also widely recognised as the birthplace of modern man and his characteristic cultural patterns. Archaeological study of later periods provides unique and valuable evidence for the development of African culture and society, while ongoing research in Africa provides insights relevant to the interpretation of the archaeological record in other parts of the world. In this fully revised and expanded edition of his seminal archaeological survey, David Phillipson presents a lucid and fully illustrated account of African archaeology from prehistory and the origins of humanity to the age of European colonisation. The work spans the entire continent from the Mediterranean to the Cape of Good Hope and demonstrates the relevance of archaeological research to the understanding of Africa today.
Review
"...a work that fulfills its primary role as a college-level text perfectly. In addition, it provides a literate introduction to African prehistory that is accessible to both the educated public and to those scholars in the historical and social sciences who seek a solid grounding in the evolution of African culture without being overwhelmed by the detail of site reports." International Journal of African Historical Studies
Table of contents
- Introduction
- The emergence of humankind in Africa
- The consolidation of basic human culture
- Regional diversification and specialisation
- The beginnings of permanent settlement
- Early farmers
- Iron
- using peoples before
- The second millennium AD in Sub
- Saharan Africa
- Bibliography