THE INDIGENOUS CERAMICS FROM ROSE COTTAGE CAVE AND THEIR PLACE IN THEREGIONAL CERAMIC SEQUENCE

This paper presents the results of an analysis of a ceramic assemblage comprising 1853 sherds from Rose Cottage Cave. Variables considered i n the analysis are fabric inclusions or temper; sherd thickness, and w here possible, vessel shape and decoration. Two main components are id entified within the assemblage and categorised as vessels with grit in clusions or temper and grass-tempered vessels. The component with grit inclusions or temper is attributed to both 'Khoi' and agropastoralist origins, but no satisfactory means of separating these two categories is found, except in the case of a few diagnostic sherds. The grass-te mpered vessels are attributed to hunter-gatherers. The ceramic assembl age is thought to date to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Agro pastoralist ceramics may have been obtained through barter exchange fr om agropastoralist settlements farther north.