HISTORICAL DISCOVERIES IN ZAMBIA
By Derek Mwale
Before modern times there was a thriller in Zambia: similar to Planet of the Apes. Protagonist role goes to Broken Hill Man (Kabwe Man). And a couple of other monkey dudes who will make this blog very interesting. This is just a highlight of historical secrets that can be discovered with Zambia’s stunning landscapes and diverse wild species. Zambia’s history is a treasure trove for archaeologists and enthusiasts alike.
Picture yourself standing on where our ancestors roamed, interacting with artifacts that hold the memories to long-forgotten ancient civilizations. Or been a witness to the unearthing of fossils that updates our understanding of prehistoric life. This country’s historical discoveries offer this and more. Let’s embark on a journey through time uncovering the stories that shaped Zambia’s past and that continue to influence it’s future – from ancient settlements to prehistoric ancient remains.
- Ancient Human Settlements
Early human ingenuity and adaptation occurred at the Kalambo Falls located on the border of Zambia and Tanzania. This archaeological gold has yielded evidence of human occupation dating back to the Early Stone Age, approximately 250, 000 years ago. The key findings at the Kalambo Falls provide valuable insights into the daily lives and technological advancements of our ancient’s ancestors, which include:
- Stone tools
- Wooden artifacts
- Fire-charred logs
- Primitive living structures
Ingombe Ilede, a site that has unveiled a significant amount of information about early trade networks and societal structures in ancient Zambia. It is situated near the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers. It represents a vital Iron Age settlement that flourished between the 7th and 15th centuries AD. Some of artifacts archaeologists unearthed include:
- Gold and copper ornaments
- Glass beads from India and Persia
- Chinese porcelain
- Iron tools and weapons
These artifacts highlight Ingombe Ilede’s role as a crucial trading hub connecting inland African communities with the Indian Ocean trade routes.
The Nachikufan known Stone Age Innovations is another example of an early culture which existed between 18000 and 4000 years ago . It is named after the Nachikufan cave in eastern Zambia. It is characterized by its distinctive stone tool technology and artistic expressions representing a very important phase in the region’s Stone Age history.
2.0 Prehistoric Animal Discoveries
Paleontologists have made a discovery that has reshaped our understanding of dinosaur life in Africa – In the remote Ntangwe region of Zambia. The Ntangwe dinosaur tracks which are preserved in ancient mudstone offer us a rare glimpse into the Mesozoic era. The tracks belonging to different species have an estimate age of 150-100MYA include:
- Theropod tracks (carnivorous dinosaurs) with size ranging from 20 – 50cm
- Sauropod tracks (long-necked herbivores) have size ranging from 80-120cm
- Ornithopod tracks (bird-hipped dinosaurs) consist of sizes ranging from 30-60cm
The above shows the diversity of tracks suggests a thriving ecosystem containing a different dinosaur species.
The Luangwa Valley, known for its rich biodiversity today has yielded significant prehistoric animal discoveries. Excavations in this area has unearthed a treasure trove of fossils including:
- Mammal-like reptiles from the Permian period
- Early dinosaur remains from the Triassic
- Fossilized plants indicating ancient forest ecosystems
These discoveries provide crucial data points for understanding the evolution of life on the African continent and its connections to other landmasses during the time of Pangaea.
The prehistoric animal discoveries in Zambia have profound implications for African paleontology. They fill critical gaps in our knowledge of dinosaur distribution and evolution across the African continent. Additionally, these findings challenge previous beliefs about the scarcity of dinosaur fossils in central Africa.
3.0 Archaeological Treasures
A vibrant cultural tradition of the Luvale people in Zambia called The Makishi Masquerade has yielded remarkable archaeological treasures. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the region’s heritage and spiritual practices. The following are key discoveries:
- Masks which represent ancestral spirits estimated age been 200-300 years
- Costumes symbolizes transformation with an estimated age of 150-250 years
- Ritual Objects used in initiation ceremonies estimated to be 100-200 years old
- Instruments are accompanied by masquerade dances ranging from 150-300 years old
The Makishi Masquerade artifacts offer a unique window into Zambian cultural history. Their preservation and study have been crucial in understanding the evolution of local traditions and belief systems.
The Mumbwa Caves which are known for stone tools and rock art have emerged as a treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts showcasing human habitation and artistic expression spanning millenia. This site has gifted us with an impressive array of stone tools and captivating rock art which sheds some light on early human activities in the region. Some of the notable findings are:
- Paleolithic stone tools
- Mesolithic microliths
- Neolithic pottery shards
- Intricate rock paintings
These discoveries paint a very vivid picture of technological advancements and artistic development among early inhabitants of Zambia. The diversity of artifacts found in Mumbwa caves provides archaeologists with a comprehensive timeline of human evolution in the area.
