Showing 5 results

Site and People records
Kabwe Pygmy (Forest Hunter Gatherers, Batwa)
Des Valley Dam I
Site
Brief description of site: There were no pot sherds visible and the deposit at the site is quite small. There are a few stone tools (quartzite) are visible on the surface from the site downhill. There is a huge concentration of slag below the hill, and in the middle of these concentrations there are two holes, possibly where the furnaces stood. Beyond this archaeological feature is a curious ridge aligned in the same direction as the hill. The site is on a fairly small overhang that forms a shelter with a shallow deposit and does not seem to have been habited. The site commands a wide southerly view over the landscape.
Brief description of art: Finger Dots. The art consists of many monochrome bovine animals and one possible feline. All the images are in red or a reddish purple and there are two apparent shades of red. The images include one overlay feline in blood red above a bovid in red/purple. There are numerous finger daubs in lines. One set consists of 3 lines, consisting of 7 in the upper line, 7 in the middle and 11 in the bottom line. Further left there is another two sets, one of 5 and immediately left another 5. On the far left there are 2 figures in a very pale pink/orange pigment, this might be the pigment or could be washed. The lowest figure on the panel is a bovid (antelope or cow) and it appears to have 4 arrows heading towards it. Halfway up the panel there are two very clear figures, one could be a quiver and the other a bird foot. This image is the same as the 'arrows' in the bovid scene. Lastly there is an antelope figure that is painted as if it is entering a crack in the rock, it might be in flight.
Des Valley Dam III
Site
Brief description of site: The site has a promising deposit with a dense concentration of stone tool making debitage. Scrapers and blades are identifiable, quartz (very clear) and quartzite (whitish/milky). Pottery scatter is also evident, few decorated pieces were identified in the past, but on this visit none were identified. A few pieces of large and crude stone tools (hand axes?) partially late ESA were also identified. A chert core was also identified. There are also upper and lower grinding stones on the floor of the shelter. The site has a similar position to ZAM-DES1 with its view facing south which is restricted by trees. The sight is a large shelter excellent for habitation. There are considerable signs that the site has been occupied for a long period.
Brief description of art: Geometrics. The main section at the west end of the shelter consists of a very large number of lines and circles. The art is quite faint and would merit tracing. The images are done in red and covered by white sediment that is forming over the art (salt and dust). The panel continues for perhaps 2m.
Des Valley Dam IV
Site
Brief description of site: The site is approximately 80m away from Des Valley Farm 5. The site is a deep shelter approximately 28m and about 25m across. In the middle of the main shelter area is a large elongated boulder next to which are two smaller ones. The site has a promising deposit but no tools were identified on the surface, although, below these rocks on the adjoining plain there are scatters of lithic debitage.
Brief description of art: Geometrics.
Des Valley Dam V
Site
Brief description of site: The site is on a boulder with a fairly big protecting overhang. The rocks lie on a small hill that is low-lying and surrounded to the east and the south by a southerly sloping plain. There is no deposit at the site. The ground to the left of the site/rock surface with images is hard and barren. No artifacts were identified on this surface it is very possible that the site was not inhabited. On a separate boulder in front of the main painted surface there is a panel with only one single image.
Brief description of art: Geometrics.
Des Valley Dam VII
Site
Brief description of site: The site is up a hill just before the summit, facing west southwest. There is no rich deposit and no artifacts were visible.