Kasteelberg
Nomination and Significance
The Kasteelberg archaeological complex served as a magnet for pastoralists and the special activities which took place on top of it. There are no other sites which have as much detailed evidence for the sustained presence of early herder groups, the ancestors of the Khoekhoen, along the western and southern Cape coast.
The site has been nominated for declaration as a provincial heritage site by Prof Andrew Smith and Dr Lita Webley.
Kasteelberg has a unique position and sense of place in an ancient cultural landscape. Although the earliest sites are as old as the Middle Stone Age (over 100 000 years old), the main significance of Kasteelberg is that it was occupied by herding Khoekhoen from about 1800 years ago until the colonial period
The site is part of an on-going debate into the history of Khoe-speaking people at the Cape. Archaeological evidence from the site along with linguistic and genetic data is contributing to research and recording of the origins of Khoe-speaking people at the Cape.
Kasteelberg is the most important prehistoric pastoralist site in the Cape and possesses historic and scientific heritage value. The site is significant for its place in the history of many people living in the Cape who feel their heritage is marginalised.
Kasteelberg is highly significant in that it preserves focused occupation with over 36 discrete sites of dense occupation, along with their artefacts; stone tools, pottery and bones of domestic animals introduced to the Western Cape – suggesting that it was the central focus of Khoekhoen social and ritual behaviour.
Location
The site was named after the castle-like Kasteelberg koppie, a large granite batholith, on the farm Boebezaks Kraal Farm 40 (Rooiheuwel) north-west of Vredenburg and east of Paternoster in the Western Cape.
Consultation
aim of consultation
create awareness
supplement significance
identify concerns and / or objections
record support for declaration
Comments received will be included within a participation report to be submitted to the responsible heritage authority, Heritage Western Cape (HWC).
The authorities will make the decision regarding declaration as a provincial heritage site.
How to comment:
website www.vidamemoria.co.za/kasteelberg
or
email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Comments must be submitted by
19 July 2022
The commenting period for this nomination has now closed.