A remarkable study published today may explain the origins of certain unexplained archaeological sites in South Gloucestershire. The sites comprise a double pair of pits usually paralleled by a second set some distance away and a grid of lines and circles and half circles. They are usually described as being connected with sun worship however similar sites have been discovered in south Africa where documentary evidence suggests that the were still being used in the nineteenth century. Among the N’dabele the head of an enemy was struck between the posts in a ritual battle between two clans and cases where different nations competed are suggested. Professor Would Coup of Natal Jestertag University said, “This is a remarkable sign of an international culture. There are similar sites in the southern USA, probably of Anzanian origin; in the region of New Orleans though in these cases the grid lines appear closer together. I hope we will also find evidence of other South African rituals such as Aru and Wundayiner, though physical evidence of the latter is difficult to discover as they appear to be on completely deserted sites. More details are in the full report.

 

Could you circulate this to anyone you think might be interested

 

David Evans

Historic Environment Record Officer

Planning and Environment

Planning, Transportation & Strategic Environment

PO Box 2081

The Council Offices, Castle Street

Thornbury

South Gloucestershire

BS35 9BP

Phone: 01454 863649

fax:       01454 865173