Sites

Shell midden: This is the only prehistoric archaeological site found within the proposed development area (Plate 2). Sites 1 and IA represent the remains of a very large midden that has been cut through by the access road to the parking area (shell is exposed in section) and partially impacted by the construction of the Defence Force facility. Site1 lies just south east of the helicopter-landing pad, while site1A lies immediately north of the Defense Force facility. In terms of content, the midden contrasts markedly with those of Buffelsbaai. It is completely dominated by Haliotis midae, with other species such as Turbo sarmaticus and Patella tabularis being present. Sites BOR 1 and 1A lies on one of the most exposed areas (wind rain and spray) on the immediate coast and would not be particularly suitable for residential purposes. It is possible that this site was a de-shelling station for large shellfish species, the size of their shells making them uneconomical to be carried any distance. People extracted the meat from these large species of shellfish, and then transported it back to their places of residence. The Black Rocks area just north of Bordjesrif contains at least 6 substantial archaeological sites in the limestone overhangs and gullies (Yates pers. comm.). Bone spatulas, tools for removing large shellfish from the rocks, were found in the some of the rock shelters by archaeologists surveying the area in the 1970’s. Significance: This interesting midden is very dense in places and likely to be stratified. It possibly represents an aspect of subsistence strategy of prehistoric people who lived at the archaeological sites at Black Rocks.