Summary details for Homestead structure


All archaeological sites and remains in Namibia are protected by law (National Heritage Act 27 of 2004). Some incidental protection is provided by the Environmental Management Act (7 of 2007) which includes man-made features in its definition of the environment.

Recorders should not collect anything from the site, ever.

You should never moisten paintings to enhance them for photography.


 

Homestead structure

These structures are classified as traditional/precolonial (depending on the date) and colonial. Precolonial settlements comprise circular arrangements of stone representing the footings of wooden dwellings; the circles vary in diameter and number and there may also be a central livestock enclosure which is recognisable archaeologically as a roughly circular area (ca 30m  diameter) of darkened soil. There are often various non-identifiable structures. Colonial sites typically have fewer structures - angular corners are a good indicator as is the presence of obviously European debris such as glass, wire etc. The very early European sites often have traditional structures close by.

Foundation circle of dwelling
Foundation circle of dwelling © Photo: J. Kinahan
Hilltop village site
Hilltop village site © Photo: J. Kinahan
Partially excavated house circle
Partially excavated house circle © Photo: J. Kinahan
Plan view of dwelling site
Plan view of dwelling site © Photo: J. Kinahan
Portable mat house anchor stone circle
Portable mat house anchor stone circle © Photo: J. Kinahan
Portable mat house anchor stone circle
Portable mat house anchor stone circle © Photo: J. Kinahan
Portable mat house anchor stone circle
Portable mat house anchor stone circle © Photo: J. Kinahan

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