Cultural landscapes and the vernacular: A case study of the Tankwa Karoo

The Tankwa Karoo forms part of the Nama Karoo Biome, a biologically distinct area and the world’s only entirely arid region diversity hotspot. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the preponderance of a specific language of vernacular architecture adds cultural significance to the natural heritage of the Tankwa. The research scope is defined geographically by the limits of the Tankwa Karoo basin, by means of a case study analysis of four sites. Three sites, namely Uintjiesbos, Waaikop and Prambergfontein are located within the Tankwa Karoo National Park and another site, that is Gemsbokfontein is situated on a privately owned farm to the south of the Park. The heritagescape methodology framed the research objective. Dry-packed stone kraals, built by transhumant herders, and later vernacular architecture of adobe and stone with brakdak roofs define a built heritage that provides effective shelter in an arid climate. The study uncovered the intangible cultural heritage embodied in the act of building these structures and concludes this constitutes a living heritage worth preserving in an evolving contemporary society. The craftsmanship of these structures’ construction and scheduled maintenance support knowledge of net-zero energy construction methods. The local continuation of this living heritage is at a critical juncture and in need of developmental support. Skills transfer to craftsmen in the Tankwa Karoo is vital for the survival of these structures in the TKNP, currently falling to ruin since they are unoccupied and not maintained. Educational support for the continuation of this living heritage, will reciprocally inform the global body of knowledge for building in dryland environments. The research concludes that the layers of significance of both tangible, natural, and cultural heritage found in the Tankwa Karoo constitutes sufficient criteria for classifying this area as a continuing cultural landscape as defined by the terms of the UNESCO Convention for World Heritage of 1992.