Scholars have long acknowledged a gap in the archaeological literature on African herder societies. Utilizing almost 40 years' work, Andrew Smith presents a detailed portrait of modern herdsmen and their historical antecedents. Following the assumption that Africa has never been isolated from the rest of the world, Smith illuminates key topics ranging from material culture and rituals, to future prospects for pastoralists. Written in a scholarly yet accessible style, Smith presents evidence detailing African herders' historical relationship to similar societies in the Near East, as well as their present state in the modern world. This volume will be indispensable to understanding the unique role pastoralists have played over time throughout the continent.

"Andrew's publication fills a gap which was crying out in need. The synthesis is broad-ranging and insightful, an dhis writing is brilliantly clear. I can only reiterate the words of Scott MacEachern in sating this is 'essential reading for specialists in African prehistory', an dadd that it should be compulsory for any layperson or student with a passing interest in the subject." - Antiquity Of Man

"Recommended. All levels/libraries." - CHOICE

"The strength of the book is exactly in its wide perspective, covering a large series of issues, an impressive series of contexts, and a robus quantity of disciplines—over an enormous area and over an incredible time depth. . . I have to say that the African Archaeology Series, directed by Joseph Vogel, is becoming part of our reference material: it is a wonderful example, in my view, of high-standard scientific production, elegantly produced and efficiently distributed." - Journal Of African Archaeology

"African Herders tells the complete story of what in pre-industrial times had been a major subsistence form; it is a precious introduction to professionalists and students of a broad range of disciplines in the humanities." - Journal Of Comparative Human Biology