Answer to Question #129912 in History for Marno Plank

Question

Why did the precolonial San practise nomadism

Answer 1

 Why the Precolonial San Practiced Nomadism

San has lived in Southern Africa for a very long time. They are the oldest inhabitants of the region because they have lived there for more than 20,000 years. The San was predominantly hunters and gatherers. the name San has been used over the years to refer to the group of people in the Southern part of Africa, which has a linguistic and historical connection and are hunters and gatherers. However, the San were also nomads during the precolonial period. They practiced nomadic lifestyle because the wild animals and plants were fast diminishing, and they needed surplus source of food, which they would later depend on. As such, they kept sheep and cattle. The San kept sheep because the sheep’s fat was highly prized, and their skin could be used as cloths. Also, they milked the ewes. On the other hand, the San slaughtered cattle for ritual purposes. However, the cattle’s milk was an essential part of the San’s diet. The San, therefore, moved from place to place in search of water and pasture for their livestock.

Reference

https://www.everyculture.com/Africa-Middle-East/Khoi-Economy.html