Abstract
The Cradle of Humankind is known for sites such as Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Drimolen and Kromdraai, among others, that offer a detailed understanding of the Plio-Pleistocene. However, the ‘Tswana’ stone-walled structures that are found in this landscape have seen comparatively less research. We present preliminary results from an ongoing mapping and research programme on the farm Project 58 where a multi-component settlement is located. The site is composed of several distinct areas, a partially crenated boundary wall design, kraals located inside and outside the settlement, and internal housing and grain bin structures. Based on the architecture of the stone-walled structure, the site was most likely occupied between AD 1450 and 1700 and appears similar to Taylor’s (1979) Group I sites. Studying the more recent past of this region reclaims a history that has been disarticulated from the landscape.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 137-145 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | South African Archaeological Bulletin |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue number | 213 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2020 |
Keywords
- Cradle of Humankind
- Iron Age
- Stone-walled structures
- Tswana
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Archeology (arts and humanities)
- Archeology