Ongoing and Future Conservation Work at Matjes River Rock Shelter, Keurboomstrand
By: 
Nicholas Wiltshire
Date: 
Tue, 08/10/2024 - 18:30 to 19:30
Venue: 
SA Astronomical Observatory auditorium
Branch: 
Western Cape
Tuesday 8 October, 18:00 for 18:30 at the SAAO Auditorium, Observatory 
SPEAKER: Nic wiltshire
TITLE:  Ongoing and Future Conservation Work at Matjies River Rock Shelter, Keurboomstrand

YouTube Channel link for the recorded talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIM4zkgkuOc
 
ABSTRACT: 
Matjes River Rock Shelter is a declared Provincial Heritage archaeological site with Holocene deposits that were excavated in the 20th century, leaving a very large T-shaped trench that measures about 7m deep between the exposed rock face and the remaining deposits. Since excavations at this site were completed, the site has required stabilisation and conservation interventions. Phase 1 of the conservation work was completed by Janette and Hilary Deacon in the 1990s under the auspices of the National Monuments Council whereby sections were cleaned, sandbags installed on sloping deposits, the boardwalk overhauled, signage installed and a detailed plan for the second phase drawn up with the help of Melis Engineers.
 
BIO:
Nic Wiltshire is an archaeologist and a Director of OpenHeritage and CTS Heritage. He also serves as the current Honorary Treasurer of ArchSoc. His academic interests lie mainly in rock art studies and he has been running the eCRAG surveys in the Cederberg with Dr Janette Deacon since 2008. OpenHeritage is involved with non-profit heritage projects while CTS Heritage mainly focuses on the Heritage Impact Assessment sector Nic also developed and has been closely involved with SAHRIS, the national heritage management system run by the South African Heritage Resources Agency.

DIRECTIONS to the SA Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Auditorium venue for talks: 
Use this Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XxVKg33yCjwv86uw9 
 
Alternatively follow these directions:
Coming from the N2, turn off to the M57 (Liesbeek Parkway) in the direction of Cape Town and continue to the 4-way traffic lights, passing Hartleyvale (hockey and football) on your left. Turn right at the traffic lights into Observatory Road, and go over the Liesbeek River bridge. The SAAO is next on the left. Once through the main sliding security gate, the security staff will scan your driver’s licence and car licence disc, and open the boom for you. Proceed straight ahead, then turn left, passing the main administrative building (on your right). Follow the AUDITORIUM signs, to the last building on the left. Please drive slowly so as not to injure any of the wildlife on the property.

YouTube Channel link for the recorded talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIM4zkgkuOc