The Blaauboschkraal stone ruins, also known as Adams Calendar, are a provincial heritage site in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Located near Emgwenya, about 10 kilometers away, the site was declared a national monument on April 18, 1975. It is recognized by the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
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Bokoni Stone Ruins
Overview
The Blaauboschkraal stone ruins were part of a complex stone walling system built by the Bokoni people. While the exact age remains unknown, the Bokoni people are estimated to have built these settlements around the early 16th century. The site likely served as cattle enclosures, agricultural terracing, and housing.
Location
The ruins are located in the Mpumalanga escarpment, amidst a clustering of stone-walled settlements spanning 10,000 square kilometers. The Bokoni settlements feature cattle paths linking circular homesteads and agricultural terraces. These settlements date from the 16th to early 19th centuries.
Geographical Setting
Situated on a steep-sided valley where the Blouboskraalspruit River flows, the Blaauboschkraal stone ruins are near the Crocodile River. This river system likely facilitated trade for the Bokoni people, who traded agricultural products along the Zimbabwe-Portuguese trade route.
Historical Context
Bokoni Civilization
The Blaauboschkraal stone ruins were built by the Bokoni people within the last 500 years. The ruins likely date back to the third phase of Bokoni civilization, characterized by increased threats from outside invaders. During this phase, the Bokoni built settlements in valleys for better defense.
Isolation and Trade
Unlike other stone-walled settlements, the Blaauboschkraal ruins are isolated, reflecting the decentralized nature of Bokoni political and military systems. The Bokoni focused more on trade than defense, which influenced their settlement locations. They traded food products for necessities and luxuries like metal and ivory.
Archaeological Insights
Construction and Design
The stone walls in Mpumalanga, including Blaauboschkraal, are built uniformly from local stone. Larger stones form the outer structure, filled with smaller stones inside. Flat rock slabs on top strengthen the walls. The ruins feature circular structures for homesteads and complex walling for cattle kraals.
Agricultural Practices
The site includes agricultural terracing, effective in retaining moisture and maximizing production. The region’s high rainfall supported intensive agriculture, even on steep valleys like Blaauboschkraal. The Bokoni people used kraals to manage livestock and protect crops.
Abandonment
By the 1830s, the Bokoni homesteads and terraces were abandoned due to the Mfecane, which also led to the abandonment of the Blaauboschkraal ruins.
Research and Theories
Historical Research
Archaeologists have studied Bokoni sites since the 1930s. Recent research focuses on understanding the cultural significance and impact of Bokoni civilization on Southern Africa’s evolution during the Late Iron Age.
Alternative Theories
Some alternative theories, promoted by figures like Michael Tellinger, suggest alien origins for the Blaauboschkraal ruins. Tellinger claims the site, which he calls “Adam’s Calendar,” was built 300,000 years ago as an ancient calendar aligned with the constellation of Orion. However, these theories lack scientific support.
Conservation Efforts
Heritage Management
The Blaauboschkraal ruins are protected as a provincial heritage site under the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999. This status helps maintain the site’s quality.
Threats and Challenges
Weather conditions, such as wind erosion, pose significant threats to the stone ruins. Historian and archaeologist Peter Delius emphasizes the need for better governance and protection measures. He calls for an audit of the sites and strict penalties for vandalism to preserve these historical treasures.
Sources: Wikipedia
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