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Terraced fields near Lydenburg, Mpumalanga
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Patrick Carter and Patricia Vinnicombe sorting finds at Sehonghong in Lesotho in 1972

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

02 Feb 2024
Dear members, we have been asked to circulate a su
28 Oct 2023
The introduction of herding – a way of life which centres on keeping herds of mobile domesticated animals – significantly changed Africa’s genetic, economic, social and cultural landscapes during the last 10,000 years.

latest events & activities

Date: Tue, 19/03/2024 - 10:15
Western Cape
OUTING: TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2024: 10:15 for 10:30 AT THE SA IZIKO SOCIAL HISTORY CENTRE

ANNELIZE KOTZE AND LAILAH HISHAM:  BEHIND THE SCENES GUIDED TOUR OF KHOE AND SAN OBJECTS:
    • Bags adorned with beadwork 
By: PROF JOHN COMPTON
Date: Tue, 09/04/2024 - 18:30 to 19:30
Western Cape
TUESDAY 9 APRIL: 18:00 FOR 18:30 in the SAAO AUDITORIUM, OBSERVATORY
SPEAKER: PROF JOHN COMPTON
TITLE: “FIRST PEOPLE’S INTERPRETING OF EARTH: THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORD AND MYTH AND CREATION STORIES OF THE SAN” 
By: Petro Keene
Date: Sat, 20/04/2024 - 10:45
Western Cape
OUTING: SATURDAY 20 APRIL 2024: 10:45 for 11:00
AT BUFFELSFONTEIN VISITORS CENTRE, CAPE POINT