South African Archaeological Society

Fisiese Antropologie Van Die Inheemse Mense in Suidelike Afrika by H. W. HitzerothReview by: H. P. SteynThe South African Archaeological Bulletin, Vol. 32, No. 126 (Dec., 1977), p. 179Published by: South African Archaeological SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3888666 .

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BOOK REVIEWS

The preparation of archaeological reports by L. Grinsell, P. Rahtz & D. P. Williams. London: John Baker, 1974. 105 pp, 16 illustrations. Price: R5,70. This book had its origin in a duplicated guide to

the preparation of archaeological reports circulated by the Bristol Archaeological Research Group. It is intended as a guide to the preparation of excavation and non-excavation (e.g. field survey) reports. It succeeds admirably in its purpose.

The contents are divided into a logical sequence which takes the would-be author from the preparation of illustrations and the content of the body of the report, to the handling of proofs and the preparation of an index. In the first chapter Philip Rahtz dis- cusses the problem of the current information explo- sion and its effect on archaeological reports; his discussion of this problem raises interesting possi- bilities for the future. In the second chapter Leslie Grinsell discusses the steps to be followed in choosing the publication in which to publish, and possibilities for funding.

The book contains a wealth of finer detail. A list of abbreviations of British and of county publications is given, as well as a detailed appendix of archaeologi- cal reports suitable to be used as models. An interesting addition is an appendix giving references to exceptional archaeological reconstructions which have appeared in the literature. The chapter on illus- trations contains numerous useful suggestions on materials, many of which are obtainable in this country. The two chapters dealing with the prepara- tion of the text of both excavation and field reports are perhaps most useful for their suggestions on the procedure to be followed in preparing a report.

Although this book has been prepared primarily for English workers, the fundamental principles laid down are valuable in any country. It is perhaps of limited use to the established professional (and publishing) archaeologist. However, it should be an essential addition to any university library as a guide to students. For the interested layman who wishes to be fully involved in archaeology it is an answer to a prayer. If such a person wishes to publish, this is truly a Guide, while the non-publishing layman will find much in it to help him better understand excava- tion reports.

ELIZABETH VOIGT

Fisiese Antropologie Van Die Inheemse Mense In Suidelike Afrika. H. W. Hitzeroth. Mededeling van die Afrika-Instituut, Nr. 18, Pretoria 1972. Price: R5,40 (R.S.A.). As described in an introductory statement the main

purpose of the book is an investigation of the physical anthropological diversity, composition and identity of the indigenous people of southern Africa, based on available research results.

The book contains, inter alia, chapters on the Boskop and Bush physical types, and the physical anthropological composition of the Khoisanoids and the Negroid Bantu of southern Africa. A discussion is also devoted to the existence of physical types such

as Australoids, Kakamas and Korana, and the presence of Mongoloid influences in local populations.

Each chapter also contains a summary where main findings and deductions are briefly stated.

Discussions are elucidated with various illustrations, tables, maps and diagrams, e.g. the main morpho- logical and anthropometric characteristics of various physical types and races, data on the numbers of living Khoisanoids, and skeletal finds in southern Africa are given in tabulated form, while maps are included which show the localities of particular finds and hypothetical distribution areas of physical types. The book also has a useful index.

The book represents extensive use of sources which should make it a most useful reference work, while the summary and ordering of material which flows from this should prove to be valuable for students of earlier and present man in southern Africa.

H. P. STEYN

Rescue Archaeology edited by Philip A. Rahtz.* Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1974. xii, 299 pp. 34 plates, figures and index. Price: approx. R2,25 (paperback). This collection of personal statements by twenty

dedicated professional and amateur archaeologists sets out the effects of the accelerating destruction of archaeological sites of all types in one corner of Europe; how RESCUE, a Trust for British Archae- ology founded in 1971, has tackled the complex problems of rescue and preservation where and when feasible.

It is shown that whilst local conditions vary in each country the basic problems are worldwide. Much of the evidence everywhere, which does not exclude South Africa, will be destroyed before it can be discovered and recovered by archaeological explora- tion. The major destructive agencies are dams and barrages, roads, pipelines, mining and quarrying, urban and industrial expansion, shoreline and harbour developments including forestry and mechanized agriculture with deep ploughing.

With far too few professional and knowledgeable amateur archaeologists sites will not be reported or recorded and without funds and organization endangered sites cannot be rescued. Archaeology can no longer remain a quiet backwater; it has to involve itself also in legislation, country and town planning as well as all aspects of the environment and not least in public relations.

This study sets out some facts which are thought- provoking in relation to archaeology in South Africa. In the British Isles there are only a few hundred fully trained and qualified archaeologists; archaeological societies have about 100 000 members; there are some 750 guardianship sites which are visited by about 14 million persons annually. Experience shows that a local society to be viable needs at least 3 or 4 active officers and a minimum of 200 members. If publica- tion is undertaken at least 1 000 subscribers are * A copy of this book was not received for review.

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