Fisher, Roger C.Theron, G.2013-09-062009-05-052013-09-062009-04-292009-05-052009-05-05Wade, R 2009, A systematics for interpreting past structures with possible cosmic references in Sub-Saharan Africa, MSc(Applied Science) dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://hdl.handle.net/2263/24351 >C153/eohttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/24351Dissertation (MSc(Applied Science))--University of Pretoria, 2009.This thesis presents a method of identifying astronomical expressionsinherent within the spatial geography, cultural landscapes, and layouts of structures with a view to implementing the systematics in an African context. In determining astronomical codes of the southern African pre - early farmer and metalworking archaeological sites - this review deals with oral tradition, rituals, formative calendars, fertility, meteorites, eclipses, bio-diversity, sustainable agriculture, rainmaking and the general star lore. Conclusions are drawn from the hypothesis that certain structures functioned as astronomical expressions by use of monoliths and other configurations, with specific examples of how these possibilities were drawn from aspects within the Mapungubwe/Zimbabwe Cultural Complex and the preceding riverine cultural formations.©University of Pretoria 2009EthnoastronomyTourismAncient africaTechnologies and applied sciencesOral historySocial sciencesHistoryGamma-ray astronomyComputer simulationEthno mathematicsMathematical literacyAstronomyIndigenous knowledge systems (IKS)Lemba (culture)HistoryAnthropologyCulture and identityAgricultureArchaeologyHistorical astronomyHeritageArchaeoastronomyCalendarsCosmologySpatial geographyCultural landscapesCave artMachemaMapungubweStelaeMegalithsMonolithsSocialecologyHeritage managementCultural landscapeCultural ecologyHeritage conservationSystematicsHeritage assessmentEntopticCognitive anthropologyPrecision agricultureIndigenous material cultureVendaShonaSustainable agricultureMeteorologyCognitiveArchitectureCosmic referenceNeuropsychological theoryAgricultural sciencesRainmakingOral traditionUCTDA systematics for interpreting past structures with possible cosmic references in Sub-Saharan AfricaDissertationhttp://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-05052009-174557/