Pre-colonial South Africa Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing the early inhabitants, migrations, and social structures of pre-colonial South Africa.

Khoi Khoi (Hottentots)

Pastoralists in early South Africa who specialized in livestock farming and established specific social structures.

San (Bushmen)

Hunter-gatherers known for their rock art and specialized survival techniques.

Bantu speakers

Agriculturalists known for iron working and their major expansion from West-Central Africa.

Khoisan

A collective term used for the Khoi and San people based on their broad similarities in cultural and biological origins.

Bantu Migration

A movement originating from West-Central Africa that arrived in Southern Africa about $5000$ years ago.

Bantu-speaking groups

Ethnic groups including the Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Venda.

Chiefdoms and Kingdoms

Hierarchical societies based on kinship, where chiefs and councils handle dispute resolution and decision-making.

Mapungubwe

A notable precolonial kingdom in Southern Africa mentioned alongside the Zulu, Pedi, and Venda kingdoms.

Bantu agricultural crops

The specific crops cultivated by Bantu communities, including maize, millet, and sorghum.

Khoikhoi livestock

The primary animals farmed by Khoikhoi pastoralists, specifically cattle and sheep.

Ancestral Worship

A cultural and religious practice emphasizing the role of ancestors in daily life.

Shamans and diviners

Spiritual leaders within pre-colonial South African indigenous communities.

Oral Traditions

The method of storytelling used for the preservation of history within indigenous communities.