UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Zimbabwe

Bambata Cave

Prehistoric cave with cultural artifacts.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Bambata Cave, located in the Motobo National Park of Zimbabwe, is an archaeological site of considerable significance due to its rich stratification of cultural artifacts. The cave, named after the nearby Bambata Mountain, contains evidence of human occupation from the Middle Paleolithic to the Iron Age. Key finds include Wilton Industry stone tools and Mousterian tools, reflecting diverse prehistoric cultures. The site is also renowned for its unique pottery known as Bambata Ware, characterized by thinness and intricate decorations, which provides insights into the transition between the Later Stone Age and the Iron Age. The presence of cave paintings suggests that the site was used for artistic or ritualistic purposes, indicating a vibrant prehistoric community skilled in various crafts and hunting techniques.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Wilton Industry artifacts

10,000 BCE - 8,000 BCE

Bambata Ware pottery

1,200 BCE - 600 BCE

Mousterian Industry tools

300,000 years ago - 50,000 years ago

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Cave Paintings
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Zimbabwe

Coordinates

-20.50° N, 28.41° E