Major Developments In The Rural Indigenous Architecture Of Southern Africa

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Architecture, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

One of fourteen copies, obtained by permission of Dr Frescura.

This research programme is concerned primarily with developments in the indigenous built environment of southern Africa between 1822 and 1925. It is based upon the hypothesis that the period of Difaqane, 1822-1837, represents an era of major socio-political, economic and cultural change in the region's history. It was a time which witnessed the displacement of whole communities, widespread famine, military conflict and increasing contact between the indigenous black and immigrant white populations of the sub-continent. These events had extensive repercussions in the habitat patterns of the region. Although much of this argument is based upon data of a historical and archaeological nature, an awareness of the issues involved was derived largely as a result of contemporary field research.

The discussion is divided into three major components. The first begins with an analysis of the physical and social context of the architecture in question. This involves a brief introduction to the historical and geographical background of the region. The social processes and cultural perceptions surrounding the creation of indigenous habitat are examined as well as the interaction existing between the rural dwelling, its physical environment and the economic system of its builders. The existence of a number of general areas of technological and building practices is discussed in both historical and current terms.

Condition: the black leatherette boards are in excellent condition, title on the front cover and spine in gilt; the contents are clean and the binding is firm, no inscriptions other than the author's signature and dedication on the title page, and on the Declaration page.