THE MIDDLE STONE AGE IN ZAMBIA

1. The Middle Stone Age

About 100,000 years ago, a new episode developed in the Stone Age and lasted up to about
15,000 years ago. This age is distinct from the E.S.A. because of the diversification and
specialisation of the stone tool kit. Whereas in the ESA the Acheulean technique to make
tools was the only one that existed, there now emerged regional differences in the tool
industry. An important development in technology in this age is the growing importance of
tools made from stone flakes instead of cores of stone.

Two distinct industries developed following on the Acheulean. The first was the Sangoan
Industry. Its name is derived from a site on the western shore of Lake Victoria called Sango
Bay. In contrast to the Acheulean industry, Sangoan tools were not finely worked on. A wide
variety of flake tools also appeared, but they were also crudely worked on. These tools
appeared because of an adaptation to a forest environment where many woodwork tools were
needed. The rough picks and scrappers may then have been used to make wooden tools that
were not preserved. Sangoan tools have been found in Zambia at Kalambo Falls, Victoria
Falls, Kandanda, and the Upper Luangwa Valley. At Kalambo Falls, the Sangoan industry
was followed by a different development, namely the Lupemban Industry which is named
after a place on the Kasai River in the DRC. Hand axes were rare. No cleavers were made.
Flake tools were dominant. The workmanship was much improved than that of the Sangoan
industry.

The second industry developed a bit later. It is known as the Pro-Stillbay Industry. Its name
was derived from a place in the Western Cape province of South Africa where such tools
were first found. The distinct feature of this industry was the combination of flake tools. The
tools still remain crude compared to the Acheulian tools. A site was excavated at a hill near
Kabwe in 1907. Also found with the tools were bones of animals from the savanna such as
giraffe, gazelle, and wildebeest. This suggests the environment of its inhabitants and their
dependency on hunting. This industry further developed into the Stillbay Industry in which
core tools were virtually absent as only flakes tools remained. The most important sites are
the Victoria Falls, Mumbwa Cave and Twin Rivers Kopje near the hook of the Kafue River.

Human species responsible for these industries was called Homo erectus (man who stands
upright). In Zambia, the species are called Homo Rhodesiensis (Broken Hill man/Kabwe
man). Remains of Broken Hillman were discovered by a Swiss miner Tom Zwigelaar in
1921.

Way of Life

The way of life of the Homo erectus was much improved compared to that of the ESA or
Homo habilis. This improvement was brought about by the ability of man to control fire. The
control of fire gave the community greater protection from the cold as well as animals. Food
now began to be roasted. The control of fire was an important step in the evolution of man.
To control fire, man had to control his own instincts and his fear of fire. By so doing, he
increased his self-confidence and his chances of survival. With the assistance of fire, man
now dared to venture into caves since he no longer feared to be attacked by wild animals.
Caves provided greater protection from the climate. Thus, man’s position was strengthened
and he could now divert more of his energy, previously used in the struggle for survival, to
his own development. Spears with stone points were made. At some sites rudimentary tools
made of bone were found. The hunting skills of man developed further. The greater
speacialisation in tool making and consequent improvement of the hunting skills suggests the
importance of those individuals who were talented in these activities. Very little can be said
about man’s social life during this Age.

However, a distinct form of communication, a language, enabled him to organise the hunts
and express his ideas and emotions. The improvement of skills and the use of fire made man
confident and able to venture out of his previously most preferred habitat, that is, away from
the rivers and lakes towards the plateaux, forests, and the savanna. This movement was
stimulated by an increase in population. The hunting and gathering skills were further
developed.