They have recently donated an amount of R5 000 to the Hessequa Society for Archaeology (HSA) in recognition of the valuable work done by Reon Meij and others to further and preserve archaeological knowledge of the region. Stilbaai and its environs are exceedingly rich in archaeological remains of many types, however, the extensive study and systematization of this source of knowledge are not extensive.
The committee decided they wanted to use the money from this generous donation for a specific purpose, not only to defray costs on an ad hoc basis. The money has therefore been used to reorganise the exhibits in the stone room of the museum, creating a whole new display of the finds at Blombos Cave. This allows the visitor to see specimens of all the various types of finds, where they were found and how the dating was established.
A replica of the latest find has now also been included in the display. Virtually all visitors express the wish to visit the cave, but since this is currently impossible, Brian Mathieson has also created a whole new picture of the interior of the cave in order to give visitors some idea of what it looks like. The donation has also allowed the committee to restructure the artefacts Reon donated into a coherent display, with pride of place going to a pre-historic ochre powder jar. This shows that men and women have been adorning themselves for a very long time! Dale Steyn and other tattooed sports stars are following a very long tradition.
At a small function held at the Blombos Museum by the committee, Brian briefly described the new displays and the chairman expressed a vote of thanks, saying that their American friends were also following a long standing tradition, started by the previous mayor, clr. Chris Taute who funded the society so generously at its inception. Reon too had followed in earlier footsteps, including those of C.H.T.D Heese, who first described the Stilbaai culture in the early part of the twentieth century; prof. Christopher Henshilwood, who is renowned for his work at Blombos; Renée Rust of the rock art and Fanie Roux who, with Reon created some of the earliest displays of the museum.
Friends of the museum who have not visited it in the last two weeks, would do well to revisit it. It is, despite its hopelessly inadequate size, still a brilliant introduction to the implements, artefacts and life style of some early humans.
Dr. Chris Heese (Hessequa society for archaeology), Mr. Eric Kaplan, Miss Rozanne Zuber, Mrs. Amanda Meij (widow of Reon Meij) and Brian Mathiesen (Hessequa society for archaeology). Photos: Louise Mouton.
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