Kasteelberg

archaeological site, South Africa

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June 30, 2026

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Kasteelberg is an archaeological site on the southwest coast of South Africa, near St. Helena Bay. It is significant for preserving evidence of pastoralist communities who lived there for approximately 1,500 years. These pastoralists herded sheep, hunted wild animals, and gathered shellfish. The communities at Kasteelberg are considered direct ancestors of the Khoekhoe herders who later encountered European settlers. The site provides valuable insights into early herding practices and the lifestyle of these ancient South African peoples.1

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South Africa
Pastoralism and early agriculture
…the best-preserved finds is at Kasteelberg, on the southwest coast near St. Helena Bay. Pastoralists there kept sheep, hunted seals and other wild animals, and gathered shellfish, repeatedly returning to the same site for some 1,500 years. Such communities were directly ancestral to the Khoekhoe (also spelled Khoikhoi) herders who…
Read More
…the best-preserved finds is at Kasteelberg, on the southwest coast near St. Helena Bay. Pastoralists there kept sheep, hunted seals and other wild animals, and gathered shellfish, repeatedly returning to the same site for some 1,500 years. Such communities were directly ancestral to the Khoekhoe (also spelled Khoikhoi) herders who…
Read More