An archaeological investigation of an early Sotho Tswana site in the Rustenburg area, North West Province of South Africa

Abstract

The study compares the satellite site Selonskraal South with Molokwane, the main site located less than two kilometres to its north. The comparison focuses on spatial layout and distribution using a Remote Sensing method of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR DEM). The comparison also incorporates the material culture which was obtained through archaeological excavations of a midden at the summit of the hill. The excavated pottery was analysed through multi-dimensional analyses and X-Ray Fluorescence while the faunal material was analysed through the taxonomic method. Dates from excavated charcoal suggest an early 17th century occupation. These preliminary studies at the site revealed that Selonskraal South is predominantly spatially similar to Molokwane as suggested by the organisation of settlement/ cluster units as well as the excavated material culture. However, Selonskraal South has some unique architecture in the form of rectilinear structures located at the summit and the foot of the hill to the east.