Early Iron Age Sites on the Zambian Copperbelt

Abstract

This paper provides a preliminary description and discussion of the evidence for the Early Iron Age Chondwe group of the Zambian Copperbelt. Nineteen open sites and five rock-shelters have so far yielded the characteristic Chondwe group pottery. Schematic rock paintings and lenticular grinding grooves are also attributed to the Early Iron Age. The evidence for prehistoric copper mining in the Copperbelt region is discussed and it is concluded that this industry was conducted on a small scale by the Early Iron Age inhabitants.