African archaeology comes of age

Abstract

Abstract Though both artifacts and rock art were discovered early in sub‐Saharan Africa, organized archaeological development was slow because of logistical problems and geographical diversity. Following an early emphasis on the Stone Age in which there were differences of approach between francophone and anglophone scholars, the post‐Independence era has witnessed a greater concentration on the Iron Age and historic periods. The advent of isotopic dating has had a great impact particularly on studies of early hominid behaviour and Iron Age research. Ethno‐archaeological research is particularly well developed and very relevant for archaeologists outside of Africa. Much of African archaeology is presently cultural‐historically oriented, unevenly dispersed and highly localized and the number of African archaeologists is small. The open nature of Africa to foreign scholarship can only continue if there is increased awareness of African research interests and an expansion of cooperative ventures.