Central Bantuid Phenotype - Face Features & Origin

Average Face

The Central Bantuid phenotype average face is a composite synthesized from multiple individual photographs by historical anthropologists. It represents a statistical impression of recurring facial features, not a real person.

Geographic Distribution

The Central Bantuid phenotype is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. The historical distribution below reflects approximate centers of prevalence documented roughly 1500 years ago; modern borders and population movements have since blurred these boundaries.

Approximate coordinates: 2.00°, 20.00° (latitude, longitude).

Physical Characteristics

Dark brown, sometimes black skin, usually kinky, sometimes peppercorn hair. (Rather) tall, brachyskelic, mesomorph. Dolichocephalic, chamae- orthocranic with narrower skull and wider nose than in other Bantuids. (Hyper-) platyrrhine nose, mouth large, lips rather full. Prognathy and receding chin more pronounced in women.

Historical Background

Bantuid variety, characterised by elongated features and strong dolichocephaly. Found especially in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, also Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, South Africa, Madagascar, and adjacent countries. Entered the area as a result of the Bantu expansion some millennia ago. Typified by Tsonga and Tonga, also in Kunda, Mbundu, Vili, Venda, Nyungwe, and others. Rarer across Congo to Gabon and Cameroon.

Source: Human Phenotypes — Central Bantuid

References & Literature

The Central Bantuid phenotype entry above is compiled from the following academic references. Readers are encouraged to consult the original sources for verification and deeper context.

• Eickstedt, E. von. 1934. Rassenkunde und Rassengeschichte der Menschheit. Ferdinand Enke. Stuttgart.
• Virchow, R. 1874. Die physische Anthropologie der Finnen. Verh. Berliner Ges. Anthr. Ethnol. Urg. VI. 185-189.
• Dart, R.A. 1962. Racial Origins. In: Schapera, I.. The Bantu Speaking Tribes of South Africa. Routledge & Kegan Paul. London.
• Bory, de S.1825. Homme. Féruss. Bull. Sc. nat. Tom. VI.
• Baumann, H.. 1952. Die Rassen Afrikas. In: Historia Mundi. Band 1, Munich, 167-174.
• Lundman, B. 1967. Geographische Anthropologie. Rassen und Völker der Erde. G. Fischer, Stuttgart
• Baker, J.R.. 1981. Race. Oxford Univ. Press. London.
• Chabeuf, M. 1959. Anthropologie physique du Moyen-Congo et du Gabon méridional. Bull- et Mém- de la Société d'anthr- de Paris. 10, 2, 97-185.
• Vallois, H. V. 1971. Las races humaines. 8 Ed. Grammont.

Related Phenotypes

Other human phenotypes related to Central Bantuid by geography or typological similarity.

• Chopi-Tswana

  Sub-Saharan Africa

  Bantuid variety, overall similar to Central Bantuid, but with weak Khoisan influence, placing it closer to Xhosaid. Developed as a result of...

• Congolesid

  Sub-Saharan Africa

  Widespread type of the Congo forest basin, common from Gabon to DR Congo, Central African Republic, Angola, and Zambia. Typical for Western ...

• East Bambutid

  Sub-Saharan Africa

  Bambutid proper: shortest pygmy type in the world with an extreme rainforest adaption that has evolved since the Middle Paleolithic. Histori...

• Fengu-Pondo

  Sub-Saharan Africa

  Bantuid variety, similar to South Bantuid, but with weak Khoisan influence, placing it closer to Xhosaid. Developed as a result of the Bantu...

• Kalaharid

  Sub-Saharan Africa

  Sanid variety, native to the Kalahari. Very ancient and distinct, specialised desert type with many unique features. Typical for the Norther...