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.
