What food did the khoisan eat?

The Khoisan people, who lived in southern Africa for thousands of years, were primarily hunter-gatherers. Their diet consisted of a wide range of foods, which varied depending on the region and season. Here's a breakdown:

Animal Products:

* Game: They hunted a variety of animals, including antelope, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and smaller game like birds and rodents.

* Insects: Many species of insects, particularly locusts and caterpillars, were eaten.

* Eggs: Bird eggs were a valuable food source.

* Honey: Honey was gathered from wild bees.

Plant Products:

* Roots and tubers: A wide variety of edible roots and tubers were collected, including wild onions, bulbs, and rhizomes.

* Berries and fruits: Seasonal fruits like wild grapes, berries, melons, and figs were consumed.

* Nuts and seeds: Seeds of various plants, including acacia and pumpkin seeds, were collected and eaten.

* Greens: Leafy greens and grasses were part of the diet.

Other Food Sources:

* Milk: They consumed milk from domesticated animals like cattle and sheep.

* Honey: Honey, which was collected from wild bees, was a source of sweetness.

Unique Adaptations:

* Click language: The Khoisan were known for their unique click language, which is thought to have been an adaptation to hunting and gathering. They used clicks to communicate in the open savanna, where it was difficult to shout.

* Knowledge of plants: The Khoisan had an extensive knowledge of the medicinal and edible properties of plants in their environment.

Important Note: The Khoisan people's traditional diet was diverse and nutritious, providing them with the nutrients they needed to thrive in their environment. However, their traditional way of life was disrupted by colonization and the introduction of agriculture, which led to changes in their diet and way of life.