The idea that all aspects of Khoisan culture are better understood within the frame of the Khoisan universe can be labelled the 'Khoisan paradigm'. Starting with a short history of this leading paradigm, the present article provides arguments to reconsider the Khoekhoe pastoral traditions, a segment of Khoekhoe culture that is crucial to understanding the origin and history of herding/pastoralism in southern Africa. It is argued that, contrary to the biological and linguistic dimensions of the Khoekhoe, these pastoral traditions testify to East African traditions.

To cite this article: Fauvelle-Aymar, F.-X. 2008. Against the 'Khoisan paradigm' in the interpretation of Khoekhoe origins and history: a re-evaluation of Khoekhoe pastoral traditions. Southern African Humanities 20, page numbers not yet available.