Ethnicity Guesser

Based on historical distributions from ~1500 years ago. Estimates appearance, not DNA ancestry or personal identity.

Phenotype

South Bantuid Phenotype - Face Features & Origin

The South Bantuid phenotype is a sub-saharan africa human phenotype documented in historical anthropology literature. This page presents the South Bantuid phenotype average face composite, its geographic distribution, physical characteristics, historical background, and academic references.

Average Face

The South 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.

South Bantuid phenotype average face composite

Geographic Distribution

The South 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).

South Bantuid phenotype historical center: 2.00, 20.00 — Sub-Saharan Africa

Physical Characteristics

Dark, sometimes medium brown skin, usually kinky, sometimes peppercorn hair. (Rather) tall, mildly brachyskelic, endo- mesomorph. Dolicho- mesocephalic, orthocranic, sometimes chamaecranic. Slightly narrower, more robust faces than other Bantuids, hairiness stronger, eyes more deep-set, brow ridges may be present. Platyrrhine nose, mouth large. Prognathy mild, chin sometimes receding.

Historical Background

Bantuid variety, characterised by relatively wide skulls and robust faces. Especially found in the Kwazulu Natal / Transkei regions of South Africa and Swaziland, extends through many regions of Southern Africa and Madagascar. Originated from Bantu expansion some millennia ago. Typified by Zulu, Swazi, Bhaca, also in Makua, Kwanyama, Hlubi, Fengu, Ovambo, Pondo and many more, spread to Namibia in the Middle Ages (e.g. Damara, sometimes Herero).

Source: Human Phenotypes — South Bantuid

References & Literature

The South 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.
  • Eickstedt, E. von 1951. Die Träger der Afrikanischen Kulturen. In: Bernatzik, H. Afrika. Handbuch der angewandten Völkerkunde. F. Bruckmann. München.
  • Schwidetzky, I. 1965. Variations- und Typenkunde des Menschen. In: Lundwig, B. and H. Plank. Handbuch der Biologie. Vol 9 (2).
  • Hirschberg, W. 1974. Die Kulturen Afrikas. Handbuch der Kulturgeschichte. Kulturen der Völker. Akademisch Verlagsgesellschaft Athenaion. Frankfurt a. M.
  • Lundman, B. 1967. Geographische Anthropologie. Rassen und Völker der Erde. G. Fischer, Stuttgart
  • Dart, R.A. 1962. Racial Origins. In: Schapera, I.. The Bantu Speaking Tribes of South Africa. Routledge & Kegan Paul. London.
  • Vallois, H. V. 1971. Las races humaines. 8 Ed. Grammont.

Related Phenotypes

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

  • Central Bantuid

    Sub-Saharan Africa

    Bantuid variety, characterised by elongated features and strong dolichocephaly. Found especially in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, also Malawi, Na...

  • 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...