Hunter-gatherers, the Ishango people knew their environment very well and only
travelled a limited distance because resources were so abundant.
Which resources were exploited?
Amongst the remains found in the banks of the lake, there were many fish bones,
but also mammal bones such as the hippo, warthog, otter, buffalo and several
species of antelope and birds such as the ibis, the pelican, the spatula and
many others. In terms of animal protein, there was something for everyone!
Millstones and grindstones were also found at the site. These would have been
used to crush and grind vegetables.
The bones also had traces of incisions and cutmarks, clearly demonstrating that there
was human intervention and that they ate the meat from the bones.