MAPELA, MAPUNGUBWE AND THE ORIGINS OF STATES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

New research at Mapela Hill is a welcomed addition to the debate over the origins of social complexity in southern Africa. This new research challenges previous interpretations of Mapungubwe and the Zimbabwe culture. However, it has also produced a comprehensive site plan that clarifies Mapela's identification: the terraced hilltop belongs to the Woolandale archaeological unit, rather than Mapungubwe. This identification affects all new claims: the terrace walling was not associated with an upper class; elite houses occur only on the Upper Platform; the pottery belongs to the Woolandale facies; and the entire terraced settlement dates to the thirteenth century. The new evidence does not support the radical claims for Mapela. Consequently, Mapungubwe still has the oldest evidence for class distinction and sacred leadership in the region. Keywords: