Milk not meat: the role of milk amongst the Khoe peoples of Southern Africa

Abstract

Abstract:Historical sources emphasise the uses of milk of livestock in southern African Khoe societies. We review the role of milk amongst the Khoe, as recorded over the last few centuries, and demonstrate that it was of greater subsistence value than the meat of livestock. In addition, we highlight the recorded technological, social and ritual importance of milk amongst the Khoe. Finally, attention is drawn to recent genetic research that suggests the dependence of southern African Later Stone Age herders on milk