Archaeological surveys in Limpopo National Park 2006–2018

The text presents the results of the archaeological surveys in Limpopo National Park (LNP) carried out between 2006–2018, focusing on the prehistoric material. The different categories of sites are presented with an assessment of possible relative ages and their research potential. The surveys elucidate landscape formation with hints of the paleo drainage of the Limpopo River. Lithic scatters, all found on the surface, date from the Early Stone Age to the Middle Stone Age. The Middle Stone Age in Southern Africa has a complicated chronological sequence with local expressions of microlithisations and technological shifts in different periods. Late Stone Age material is rare in LNP and has only been found in a few places. Evidence of farming community settlements from the 1st and 2nd millennium AD are reported, and there is a discussion on shifts in land use. Sites reported between Mapai and Pafuri will also be discussed, as well as their scientific potential for further studies and connections to the historiography of other parts of the region.