4th century – 5th century
Near Lusaka, Zambia
Kapwirimbwe was a prolific Early Iron Age occupation site near Lusaka. Excavations uncovered substantial iron slag, thirteen iron tools, cattle bones, and a distinctive pottery assemblage dominated by necked vessels and hemispherical bowls. Three radiocarbon samples produced an average date in the fifth century AD, placing the site within the formative Early Iron Age of central Zambia.
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The Story
Kapwirimbwe was located about thirteen kilometres east of Lusaka and became one of the most productive Early Iron Age sites in the region. It was a single-level occupation site with abundant evidence of iron-working. The archaeological assemblage includes much iron slag and thirteen iron tools, among them a razor, a spear-point, and a ring.
Cattle bones show that livestock formed part of the economy at Kapwirimbwe. Pottery dominated by necked vessels and hemispherical bowls accounted for ninety per cent of the assemblage. Decoration consisted chiefly of horizontal bands of grooved or incised hatching and opposed impressions made with a triangular stamp, producing a false-relief chevron effect.
Three radiocarbon samples gave an average date in the fifth century AD. The site therefore provides a well-dated example of central Zambian Early Iron Age settlement, while the nearby Twickenham Road deposit helped establish the sequence of later pottery traditions in the Lusaka area. Kapwirimbwe pottery also shared traits with both the Kalambo and Chondwe groups, illustrating the connections and distinctions among regional industries.
4th century – 5th century
Near Lusaka, Zambia
Kapwirimbwe was a prolific Early Iron Age occupation site near Lusaka. Excavations uncovered substantial iron slag, thirteen iron tools, cattle bones, and a distinctive pottery assemblage dominated by necked vessels and hemispherical bowls. Three radiocarbon samples produced an average date in the fifth century AD, placing the site within the formative Early Iron Age of central Zambia.
Continue exploring
The Story
Kapwirimbwe was located about thirteen kilometres east of Lusaka and became one of the most productive Early Iron Age sites in the region. It was a single-level occupation site with abundant evidence of iron-working. The archaeological assemblage includes much iron slag and thirteen iron tools, among them a razor, a spear-point, and a ring.
Cattle bones show that livestock formed part of the economy at Kapwirimbwe. Pottery dominated by necked vessels and hemispherical bowls accounted for ninety per cent of the assemblage. Decoration consisted chiefly of horizontal bands of grooved or incised hatching and opposed impressions made with a triangular stamp, producing a false-relief chevron effect.
Three radiocarbon samples gave an average date in the fifth century AD. The site therefore provides a well-dated example of central Zambian Early Iron Age settlement, while the nearby Twickenham Road deposit helped establish the sequence of later pottery traditions in the Lusaka area. Kapwirimbwe pottery also shared traits with both the Kalambo and Chondwe groups, illustrating the connections and distinctions among regional industries.
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