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South Africa

Driekops Eiland

Submerged petroglyph site with geometric engravings

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Driekops Eiland is an archaeological site located in the Riet River near Plooysburg, South Africa, known for its extensive collection of rock engravings or petroglyphs. The site features over 3500 individual engravings, primarily geometric designs, etched into the glaciated basement rock of the riverbed. These engravings are often submerged when the river's water level rises. The artwork is believed to have been created in two main phases, the first occurring before approximately 500 BCE and the second after around 1000 CE. The site is significant for debates regarding the authorship and cultural origins of rock art in Southern Africa, with some specialists attributing the geometric designs to a Khoekhoe herder tradition. The site also holds cultural and ritual significance, potentially linked to Khoe-San social practices and beliefs about water and spirit worlds.

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Artistic and Decorative Features

Petroglyphs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
South Africa
Source
Wikipedia