Nkupe Shelter: report on excavations in the eastern Biggarsberg, Thukela Basin, Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Excavations at Nkupe Shelter in the eastern Biggarsberg are reported. The deposits at this site date to the mid- and late Holocene. Large lithic and non-lithic cultural, plant and faunal assemblages were recovered during the excavations and these are described. A brief outline of some of the conclusions reached in a major synthesis of the Thukela Basin hunter-gatherer history are presented. In particular, it is submitted that the Thukela Basin 7000-2000 BP hunter-gatherer society experienced economic intensification as well as social restructuring.

To cite this article: Mazel, A. D. 1988. Nkupe Shelter: report on excavations in the eastern Biggarsberg, Thukela Basin, Natal, South Africa. Annals of the Natal Museum 29 (2): 321-77.