ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION African archaeology is deeply rooted in the history of colonialism, in the protracted independence struggles of modern times, and in the continuing relationships between African states and former colonial powers. According to Trigger (1984, 1989), these complex influences are manifest as distinct archaeologies, nationalist, colonialist and imperialist, which reflect the changing social milieu of research. Although it is in this respect a veritable hall of mirrors, Namibian archaeology does not fit neatly any of these descriptions. As the following history of research shows, there is a thread of ideological continuity which persists in spite of fundamental political change and shifting approaches to the Namibian past.
