Sikhanyisweni Shelter: report on excavations in the Thukela Basin, Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Excavations at Sikhanyisweni Shelter in the Thukela Basin near Helpmekaar are reported. The deposits at this site date to the early, mid- and late Holocene. The lithic and non-lithic cultural remains and animal and plant residue recovered during the excavations are described. In the ensuing discussion, this information is used to elucidate the social structural development of Thukela Basin hunter-gatherer society. It is submitted that between 4000-2000 BP three alliance networks existed in the Thukela Basin, and Sikhanyisweni Shelter's position within this scheme is outlined.