Table Mountain is one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the world, located in Cape Town, South Africa. The mountain has a rich history that spans millions of years, and it continues to be an important site for both tourists and locals alike. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history of Table Mountain, from its geological formation to its role in South African culture and society. Geological Formation Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain that rises 1,086 meters above sea level. The mountain is made up of sandstone, which was formed over 280 million years ago during the Permian period. During this time, the Cape region of South Africa was covered by a shallow sea, and over time, layers of sand and sediment were deposited on the ocean floor. Over millions of years, the sand, and sediment were compressed and hardened into the sandstone that makes up Table Mountain today. The mountain also contains layers of shale and granite, which were formed later during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Early Human History Table Mountain has been inhabited by humans for over 15,000 years. The earliest inhabitants were the San people, who were hunter-gatherers that lived in the Cape region of South Africa. The San people believed that Table Mountain was a sacred place, and they used it as a place of worship and as a source of food and water. Later, the Khoi people, who were pastoralists, also inhabited the Cape region. They used Table Mountain as a grazing area for their livestock, and they also harvested the wild plants and animals that lived on the mountain. European Exploration and Colonization In 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope. Over the next few centuries, European explorers and traders established a presence in the Cape region, and in 1652, the Dutch East India Company established a permanent settlement in what is now Cape Town. During the Dutch colonial period, Table Mountain was used as a navigational aid for ships entering and leaving the Cape Town harbour. The mountain was also used as a source of timber and firewood for the growing settlement.

So I love to sit for hours, building out an image with thousands of lines flowing in and out of one another. It always starts off quite abstractly, and eventually something forms. I'm South African, so I forged ahead with the continent of Africa in mind, but my heart will always be proudly and firmly cemented in the South 🇿🇦

Hi, I'm Graham from Johannesburg, and I'm new to this group. I have been sketching and painting for many years. Thank you for having me, and I'm looking forward to seeing all the amazing art. Before I post anything, just a quick question to admin, I would like to know what I may and may not post?

140*90cm My latest abstract - celebrating the certainty of seasons passing!

Another silly little doodle in my drawing prompt book. I love how wild and unrealistic they are. It really stretches your creative grey matter 🧠👽