lOMoARcPSD|47827450
AGE2601 - Answered portfolio
Applied Archaeology (University of South Africa)
Scan to open on Studocu
Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university
Downloaded by Andile Princess ()
, lOMoARcPSD|47827450
AGE2601 assignment 04
ACTIVITY 1
Introduction
A community’s burial grounds are a crucial component. In many cultures, it is necessary to have a space
designated for the ultimate resting place, whether it is formal or informal, especially if there are
particular rites observed in such an occasion. Due to Cape Town’s strategic location at the southernmost
point of Africa, there was a continual flow of ships passing through the region. What is today Cape Town
got its start as a result of the construction of facilities for passing ships, and over time the population
grew as new work opportunities emerged, the slave trade gained prominence, and political personalities
and exiles from other countries arrived in the area (Britannica sa). With the increase in population, it
became increasingly important to have enough burial grounds to accommodate everyone who passed
away, whether they were residents of the Cape or travellers aboard ships. Understanding the role of
burial rites is particularly important because it helps us better understand how societies once operated
and how particular tribes behaved. The evolution of these cemeteries over time and their locations will
be covered in this essay. A discussion of the Castle’s relationship to the sea as well as potential causes for
its shifting position will also be presented.
Cape Towns Early Graveyards (Locations, names and numbers)
The Cobern street region, which is currently surrounded by industry and is close to the Cape Town
harbor, was the main focus area of the investigation on finding early burial grounds. However, as can be
seen in the photographs and conversations that follow, this was not always the case. To enable a
complete research into all burial sites across the region at various times, other burial sites beyond the
target area will also be included in the debate.
1824
Starting with the earliest map provided, the first thing to take note of is how basic the map is there was
not a lot of development at that time, and the most notable features are the barracks present on the
shoreline housing military staff defending their occupation of the Cape. The Cobern street burial ground
has not been indicated on this map in any detail, nor have any other burial grounds been noted on the
map, but there has been a church indicated near the Central area of the town which could have possibly
housed an area for burials. It can be assumed that the population of the time was quite small, so the
need for a large burial ground was not necessary at the time, and due to burials being done in
conjunction with churches (Langham-Carter, 1973), it would make sense to have the cemetery there.
Also, transport at the time was mostly done by walking and so a central cemetery, or one close to the
centre of town would prove to be more beneficial. In looking at the map symbology used, the use of a
Cross to depict the church/cemetery would suggest that not too far from the indicated church is either
Downloaded by Andile Princess ()
AGE2601 - Answered portfolio
Applied Archaeology (University of South Africa)
Scan to open on Studocu
Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university
Downloaded by Andile Princess ()
, lOMoARcPSD|47827450
AGE2601 assignment 04
ACTIVITY 1
Introduction
A community’s burial grounds are a crucial component. In many cultures, it is necessary to have a space
designated for the ultimate resting place, whether it is formal or informal, especially if there are
particular rites observed in such an occasion. Due to Cape Town’s strategic location at the southernmost
point of Africa, there was a continual flow of ships passing through the region. What is today Cape Town
got its start as a result of the construction of facilities for passing ships, and over time the population
grew as new work opportunities emerged, the slave trade gained prominence, and political personalities
and exiles from other countries arrived in the area (Britannica sa). With the increase in population, it
became increasingly important to have enough burial grounds to accommodate everyone who passed
away, whether they were residents of the Cape or travellers aboard ships. Understanding the role of
burial rites is particularly important because it helps us better understand how societies once operated
and how particular tribes behaved. The evolution of these cemeteries over time and their locations will
be covered in this essay. A discussion of the Castle’s relationship to the sea as well as potential causes for
its shifting position will also be presented.
Cape Towns Early Graveyards (Locations, names and numbers)
The Cobern street region, which is currently surrounded by industry and is close to the Cape Town
harbor, was the main focus area of the investigation on finding early burial grounds. However, as can be
seen in the photographs and conversations that follow, this was not always the case. To enable a
complete research into all burial sites across the region at various times, other burial sites beyond the
target area will also be included in the debate.
1824
Starting with the earliest map provided, the first thing to take note of is how basic the map is there was
not a lot of development at that time, and the most notable features are the barracks present on the
shoreline housing military staff defending their occupation of the Cape. The Cobern street burial ground
has not been indicated on this map in any detail, nor have any other burial grounds been noted on the
map, but there has been a church indicated near the Central area of the town which could have possibly
housed an area for burials. It can be assumed that the population of the time was quite small, so the
need for a large burial ground was not necessary at the time, and due to burials being done in
conjunction with churches (Langham-Carter, 1973), it would make sense to have the cemetery there.
Also, transport at the time was mostly done by walking and so a central cemetery, or one close to the
centre of town would prove to be more beneficial. In looking at the map symbology used, the use of a
Cross to depict the church/cemetery would suggest that not too far from the indicated church is either
Downloaded by Andile Princess ()
