Archaeology and Bantu linguistics

Abstract The archaeological evidence for the spread and development of the Iron Age in eastern and southern Africa is re‐examined, and two distinct streams are recognized in the Early Iron Age Industrial Complex. The inception of the later Iron Age in most of this region is shown to have taken place around the eleventh century A.D., and a marked degree of similarity is noted in the later Iron Age industries from northern Zambia southwards. This picture is compatible in many respects with that of the spread and development of the Bantu languages, particularly as described by C. Ehret. It is suggested, however, that Ehret is mistaken in several important points, notably with regard to chronology and the part played by speakers of Sudanic languages in the spread of Iron Age culture to south‐central Africa. In conclusion, archaeological and linguistic evidence is used to produce a provisional outline of the Iron Age history of eastern and southern Africa.