Blombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer
Blombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer North Annex · Blombos Site
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇿🇦 Western Cape, Blombos, South Africa
About
About Blombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer
Blombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer in Western Cape, Blombos, South Africa is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -34.4140N 21.2170E controls access to Western Cape resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Western Cape, Blombos, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1968 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Blombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer main structure
c. 1548 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1963–2008
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Blombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
34.4140° S · 21.2170° E · 420 m · 4 mapped features
Blombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
34.4132° S · 21.2179° EBlombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
34.4150° S · 21.2163° EBlombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
34.4125° S · 21.2182° EBlombos Cave M1 Still Bay Bifacial Layer — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
34.4156° S · 21.2159° E