Iron Age sites in northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta 2: the Xaro sites in the Panhandle of the river-delta system

Research at the Xaro sites in Botswana's Okavango Delta Panhandle reveals two distinct occupation phases, with pottery from the Early Iron Age (late 6th/early 8th centuries AD) showing unique microscopic features and firing temperatures exceeding 1000°C—higher than typical for southern African vessels. These findings suggest a northern genetic influence in early southern African populations, supported by aDNA analysis of two burials. Historical documents further date the later Mbukushu occupation to between 1850 and the early 20th century, providing a rare chronological framework for Iron Age sites in the region.

Wilmsen, E. N., & Denbow, J. (2023). Iron Age sites in northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta 2: the Xaro sites in the Panhandle of the river-delta system. Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa, 58(1), 74–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/0067270x.2023.2182570