Kalaharid
| Kalaharid | |
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| Similar Types | Khoid, Xhosaid, Proto Ethiopid, Karroid, Paleo Saharid |
| Group | Kalaharoid |
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Description
A specialized desert phenotype native to the Kalahari Basin, the Kalaharid is a refined variety of the Sanid group. Typical of northern populations such as the !Kung (Ju/'hoansi) and Khwe, it is characterized by increased stature and deep reddish-brown pigmentation. Unlike the more paedomorphic southern Khoid, the Kalaharid is more orthognathic, featuring refined facial definition with prominent cheekbones and a distinct jawline. While the Kalaharid people are primarily gracile, lacking the skeletal robusticity of Karroid types, they possess a specialized, linear build adapted for desert endurance. Within this group, the Ju/'hoansi represent the most basal and unadmixed lineage, maintaining a higher degree of genetic isolation compared to other Kalahari groups.
Convergence between Kalaharid and some Ethiopid varieties can be explained through the study by Pickrell et al. (2012), this phenotype reflects minor ancient gene (9-14% West Eurasian, and sometimes but rarely 30%) flow from Southern Cushitic pastoralists into the indigenous Khoisan base roughly 3,000 years ago. This admixture introduced macroskelic proportions and a less wider nose, resulting in a morphological convergence with phenotypes like the Maasai (Due to Possible Sandawe Influence). Certain Khoisanid variants possess higher proportions of South Cushitic (Proto-Ethiopid) ancestry than some Kalaharid populations; however, they typically do not express Ethiopid phenotypes as distinctly as the Kalaharid does.[1]
Physical Traits
Medium to dark reddish-brown skin (darker than classic Khoisanid), wrinkling present in old age but often has visible extreme peppercorn hair (>15 mm). Medium stature (taller than Sanid), meso-to-macroskelic, ectomorphic to mesomorphic build. Less infantile in facial features, steatopygia present but sometimes less pronounced. Dolicho- to mesocephalic. Nose remains platyrrhine but often slightly narrower or more prominent, with a less depressed root. Eyes pseudo-Mongoloid, prognathy weak to moderate, small-headed shape.
