Hyrax Hill (Nakuru) – Pastoral Neolithic Necropolis
Hyrax Hill · Hyrax Hill Nakuru · Neolithic Nakuru
Pastoral Neolithic / Sirikwa·Elmenteitan / Sirikwa·🇰🇪 Nakuru County, central Rift Valley, Nakuru town outlier, Kenya
About
About Hyrax Hill (Nakuru) – Pastoral Neolithic Necropolis
Pastoral Neolithic–Sirikwa mound (1500 BCE to 1500 CE) atop tukana hill: stone-walled enclosures, 30-cairn necropolis with Elmenteitan obsidian blades, 20 crouched burials and Nderit ceramics. Sirikwa hobbles of later phase.
Why it mattersSignificant regional centre illustrating cultural transition.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology refinement
- 02Function of enclosures
Theories
- 01Trade corridor model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 1500 BCE Pastoral Neolithic burials; Sirikwa re-use 1200–1500 CE
- Period
- Pastoral Neolithic / Sirikwa
- Culture
- Elmenteitan / Sirikwa
- Purpose
- Regional centre / fortified town and trade node
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1500 BCE Pastoral Neolithic burials; Sirikwa re-use 1200–1500 CE
Initial construction
c. 1162 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
0.2833° S · 36.1167° E · 1900 m · 2 mapped features
Hilltop Enclosure
enclosureDry-stone wall 60 m diam on summit
0.2830° S · 36.1170° ECairn Cemetery
necropolis30 cairns 2–5 m diam with burials
0.2836° S · 36.1164° E