Laetoli People
The Laetoli people (plural: Laetolibe) emerged in western and southern Africa in 99,800 BP, originally ranging from Punt to Namaqua-Natal but contracting to the great lakes region of Tanganyika by the First Tādhēskō and transforming into the Wahadza People by 55,230 BP.
Origin
Aterian humans moved freely up and down the entire eastern coast of Africa during the Pagsian turning. The climate was comfortable enough that the same tools, habits, and strategies that worked in Kemet also worked in Namaqua-Natal. The disaster at Dakhleh and subsequent deterioration in climate caused the culture to fracture, with those in the region most affected by the Dakhleh impacts diverging from the communities further south. The culture of these southern clans became Laetoli culture.Lifestyle
The Laetolibe slept in caves to protect themselves from the cold during the Recosian and Ougrosian turnings, lighting fires at night for both warmth and protection. Their population dropped dramatically and their hunting territory contracted until they exclusively occupied Tanganyika, where the great lakes region provided a uniquely stable climate and environment. Laetoli clans were nomadic family groups typically consisting of 20-30 people. As their population became more concerntrated over time, they would have more and more opportunities to meet and interact with other clans. During berry season clans would form cooperative groups of more than 100 people. There was no designated leader or hierarchy within each clan: decisions were made cooperatively by arriving at a consensus. The Laetolibe had a similar attitude about their environment as their Aterian ancestors: they didn't wonder about the "beginning" of the universe and they didn't have gods. They did use charms, however, for healing and to give them luck when hunting. They also enjoyed telling stories, and began to have tales about heroes and monsters that were passed down across the generations.Migrations
The Laetolibe in the south diverged toward the end of the Recosian Turning, giving rise to the ǀXam-ka-ǃkʼe people as a distinct cultural group. Although most Laetolibe were content to follow the trend of consolidating their hunting territory around the great lakes of Tanganyika, one group of explorers decided to set out westward to find new lands, and founded the Lupemban culture in Kasai.Dissolution
Two important forces were contributing to cultural change among the Laetolibe throughout the First Tādhēskō: first, the warmth and the humidity of the climate gave rise to the appearance of the great lakes in their region, which both made the area more attractive as a homeland and changing their approach to hunting and gathering; second, other human groups from both the north and the south began wandering through the region and introducing new ideas and cultural practices. As a result, by 55,230 BP the culture had developed a distinctive new character, transforming into Wahadza culture.Migration Maps
founded during
The Recosian Turning
Species
Key Attributes
nomadic hunting foraging
Founding
99,800 BP
Disbandment
55,230 BP
Parent culture(s)
Diverged culture(s)
Homeland