IFR: South Africa - Spitzkloof Field School

The three Spitzkloof Rockshelters – designated A, B and C – form the ‘backbone’ of our research in Namaqualand. Spitzkloof A was excavated over the course of two field seasons in 2010 and 2011. These excavations uncovered a three-meter deep stratigraphic sequence with archaeological deposits stretching back to roughly 60,000 years ago. Excavations at Spitzkloof B, just next door, were begun in 2012. To our delight, we discovered that the deposits have superb stratigraphic integrity, excellent organic preservation, and extremely rich cultural remains. Based on this and the shape of the shelter floor, we are anticipating a deep, well-stratified Holocene and later Pleistocene sequence. For more information visit the field school website.