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Serogenetic and haematological studies on the Kgalagadi of Botswana

By: Jenkins, Trefor.
Contributor(s): Speirs, Joy | Dunn, D. S.
In: Annals of Human Biology 14(2)Summary: A sample of Kgalagadi, Negro speakers of a Sotho/Tswana Bantu language, inhabitants of Botswana, have been investigated for variation in 27 gene-marker systems and for haematological status and the presence of intestinal parasites. They have been found to show indications of gnetic affinity both to the other Sotho/Tswana and to the Mbanderu divisions of the Herero, a Bantu-speaking Negro people of Namibia. The latter affinity appears the closer. Although the historical connection between the peoples seems unlikely on cultural and oral-historical grounds, it is not impossible, given the shallow depth of the oral history of the Herero and the consequent doubts about the antiquity of their present cultural systemNothing in the genetic profile of the Kgalagadi contradicts the claim that they represent a very early, and perhaps the first, wave of Negro immigration into southern Africa. They have been investigated for intestinal parasites and haemotological status as well. They appear to be haematologically healthy, and to possess only the narrow range of parasites previously found in the Kalahari Desert, apart from one subject in whom Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf tapeworn) was found.
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Journal Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
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A sample of Kgalagadi, Negro speakers of a Sotho/Tswana Bantu language, inhabitants of Botswana, have been investigated for variation in 27 gene-marker systems and for haematological status and the presence of intestinal parasites. They have been found to show indications of gnetic affinity both to the other Sotho/Tswana and to the Mbanderu divisions of the Herero, a Bantu-speaking Negro people of Namibia. The latter affinity appears the closer. Although the historical connection between the peoples seems unlikely on cultural and oral-historical grounds, it is not impossible, given the shallow depth of the oral history of the Herero and the consequent doubts about the antiquity of their present cultural systemNothing in the genetic profile of the Kgalagadi contradicts the claim that they represent a very early, and perhaps the first, wave of Negro immigration into southern Africa. They have been investigated for intestinal parasites and haemotological status as well. They appear to be haematologically healthy, and to possess only the narrow range of parasites previously found in the Kalahari Desert, apart from one subject in whom Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf tapeworn) was found.