A Tswana stone-walled structure near Sterkfontein caves in the Cradle of Humankind

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.