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Khoekhoe herders used pots for cooking, storing dairy products and
water, and processing seal oil. The styles and methods of production
varied regionally, but Khoekhoe pots generally had a pointed base, and
lugs through which a cord could be passed in order to suspend them.
The oldest reliable archaeological dates for pottery in South Africa
go back to about 2 300 years ago. In most areas the craft disappeared
soon after contact with European colonists, although pots were still
being made among the Nama in the 19th century. Early decorated pots
were often ornamented around the neck with rows of incised dots or
short stamped lines, but those dating to within the last 1 000 years
were generally left plain. This fine example of a Cape Khoekhoe pot,
found near Ceres, features prominently in the Western Cape coat of
arms and on the mace of the Western Cape Parliament. Presented by J W Snyman through the Ceres Magistrate.
(SAMAE5350)
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