We sadly received the news that one of ArchSoc’s longest-standing members, C. Garth Sampson, passed away on 1 July. Garth was one of South Africa’s most well-known archaeologists and was Professor Emeritus at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
what we do
The South African Archaeological Society, also known as ArchSoc, is a registered non-profit organisation. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in archaeology. The Society promotes archaeological research in southern Africa and makes the results available to its members and the public through lectures, outings, tours and publications.
ABOUT US
The South African Archaeological Society was founded in Cape Town as the Cape Archaeological Society in August 1944 by Professor John Goodwin. The aim of the South African Archaeological Society, as set out in our constitution, is to bridge the gap between professional archaeologists and people from all walks of life who enjoy the subject.
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SAAB
The South African Archaeological Bulletin (SAAB) was established in 1945. It is an internationally renowned journal (ISI & IBSS listed) that publishes on all aspects of African archaeology. It has amongst the highest citation index rating of all world archaeological journals.
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RESOURCES
Please read more to see a list of free archaeological resources currently available from the South African Archaeological Society
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FAQ
Please read more to see a list of answers to frequently asked questions about the Society
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LATEST NEWS
09 Jan 2025
Dear members, please find a link below to the recent article on the Daily Maverick about the recent work at Jojosi Donga in KwaZulu-Natal.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-02-glimpses-of-stone-age-workshops-archaeologists-shed-light-on-hunter-gatherer-toolmaking/
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-02-glimpses-of-stone-age-workshops-archaeologists-shed-light-on-hunter-gatherer-toolmaking/
05 Jan 2025
A group of scientists representing different disciplines discuss the environments and resources associated with the emergence of behaviorally modern humans (i.e. us) on the south coast of the Cape Floristic Region.
latest events & activities
By: Stephanie Edwards Caruana (nee Baker)
Date: Thu, 07/08/2025 - 19:30
Northern
Join Dr Stephanie Edwards Caruana for a fascinating talk on the Taung Child and its impact over the past 100 years of South African palaeoanthropology, from its discovery to its role in shaping human origins research.
By: Karyn Moshe
Date: Tue, 12/08/2025 - 18:00
Western Cape
Join us on Tuesday, 12 August for a fascinating talk by Karyn Moshe (UCT), who explores how shipwrecks, community archaeology, and local narratives intersect in South Africa’s coastal waters.
By: Elzanne Singels
Date: Sat, 23/08/2025 - 10:00 to 12:00
Western Cape
Join archaeobotanist Dr Elzanne Singels for a guided walk at Rondebosch Common exploring edible plants of the Cape Floristic Region. She’ll also have her fynbos products and booklet on indigenous food plants available for sale.