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South Africa

Paternoster Midden

Large megamidden with diverse faunal remains

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

Paternoster Midden, located on the west coast of South Africa, is a notable archaeological site characterized as a megamidden. Recognized for its extensive size, the midden measures approximately 350 meters in length and 150 meters in width. Unlike typical middens found along the Western Cape, which predominantly contain marine shells, Paternoster Midden is distinguished by its rich and diverse faunal content, including remains of tortoises, marine birds, snakes, Cape fur seals, and various bovids. Additionally, it houses cultural artifacts such as ostrich eggshell beads, stone tools, and unworked ostrich eggshell fragments, hinting at the site's historical significance, possibly dating back to the Neolithic period. Its declaration as a provincial heritage site underscores its cultural and archaeological importance.

Archaeological Features

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Artistic and Decorative Features

Human Figurines

Environmental and Natural Features

Bone Middens

Historical Timeline

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Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
South Africa
Source
Wikipedia