Mysteria

Cederberg — Stadsaal Cave Ancillary Panel (South Africa)

Stadsaal Panel N

Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)·Palaeolithic to Iron Age·🇿🇦 Western Cape, Cederberg, Stadsaal, South Africa

About

About Cederberg — Stadsaal Cave Ancillary Panel (South Africa)

Cederberg — Stadsaal Cave Ancillary Panel (South Africa) in Western Cape, Cederberg, Stadsaal, South Africa is a Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE) rock art attributed to Palaeolithic to Iron Age. Systematic survey and magnetometry document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal platform and ancillary settlement. Dimensions panel 8.5 m × 3.2 m; shelter 28 m wide × 12 m deep; area 4.4 ha. Excavation excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.

Why it mattersKey Palaeolithic to Iron Age rock-art with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 1000 m elevation.

Open questions

Mysteries & theories

Mysteries

  1. 01Relation to regional network
  2. 02Chronology and phasing

Theories

  1. 01Ritual landscape model
  2. 02Elite residence hypothesis

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. 15000 BCE
Period
Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)
Culture
Palaeolithic to Iron Age
Purpose
Rock art panel and ritual gallery
Rediscovered
1897
Excavation
Excavated
  1. c. 15000 BCE

    Initial construction / foundation

  2. c. 1190 BCE

    Major refurbishment / second phase

  3. 1932

    Modern rediscovery and excavation

On the ground

Structures & features

32.5000° S · 19.3300° E · 1000 m · 3 mapped features

  • Main Painted Panel

    panel

    Main Painted Panel at Cederberg — Stadsaal Cave Ancillary Panel (South Africa) — panel with stratified deposits

    32.4997° S · 19.3280° E
  • Upper Gallery Niche

    gallery

    Upper Gallery Niche at Cederberg — Stadsaal Cave Ancillary Panel (South Africa) — gallery with stratified deposits

    32.4981° S · 19.3311° E
  • Ancillary Engraving Cluster

    engraving

    Ancillary Engraving Cluster at Cederberg — Stadsaal Cave Ancillary Panel (South Africa) — engraving with stratified deposits

    32.4984° S · 19.3321° E

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