Palinggat homestead
The Blombos Museum of Archaeology displays artifacts from the Blombos cave. Archaeologists found stone tools and other artifacts. One of the most important findings is a piece of ochre that has clear and deliberate geometric markings on it. This is taken to indicate higher cognitive thinking and the understanding of symbolism. It is believed this is the oldest piece of art in existence.
Beads made of shells with holes drilled into them are evidence of the world’s oldest necklace.
The museum also displays evidence of the type of diet these early inhabitants ate. There are remains of shellfish and local mammals and edible fynbos plants. The abundance of food in this area would point to why there was development, and how the population survived here for so long.
The museum is housed in the iconic Palinggat homestead which was built in 1809. Sadly it burned down and had to be rebuilt in 1814. The walls are 70cm thick and made from sandstone and clay. The ceilings are made from indigenous yellowwood. Palinggat homestead belonged to the De Jager family for 168 years. It changed hands a couple of times until it was registered as property of the Stillbaai municipality in 1990. The Stillbaai tourism office is also here. When you visit the building don’t miss the little shop filled with locally made goods. You can stay and enjoy a snack and a coffee on the ”stoep’
The de Jagerhuis-opstal, Palinggat.
.
