Prospect Farm is a significant archaeological site located on the northern slopes of Mt. Eburru, in the Nakuru County of southwestern Kenya. This site has provided extensive evidence of prehistoric human activity, dating back to the Middle Stone Age, Later Stone Age, and Pastoral Neolithic periods. The site is noted for its unique Prospect Industry style of stone tools, as well as its distinctive Savanna Pastoral Neolithic bowls.
Geography and Surrounding Area
Prospect Farm lies within the Kenya Rift Valley, an area rich in volcanic history. It is situated near the Nakuru-Naivasha basin, in close proximity to Lake Nakuru, Lake Elmenteita, and Lake Naivasha—three prominent bodies of water in the region that serve as key reference points in the study of the site. The Mt. Eburru volcanic complex, which is part of the larger Great Rift Valley, has been instrumental in the dating of artifacts found at Prospect Farm due to the ash deposits from the volcanic eruptions.
The area surrounding the site is largely uninhabited but is near several small towns, making it easily accessible. The city of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is also relatively close by.
Historical Research and Excavations
The archaeological significance of Prospect Farm was first recognized in the 1960s, under the supervision of George Kleis, a former estate manager at the site. Working alongside renowned researchers Louis Leakey and Glynn Isaac, Kleis led excavations that uncovered over 30,000 artifacts across the site. The findings were categorized into three localities, labeled I, II, and III. These excavations revealed a variety of stone tools, including both unifacially-worked and bifacially-worked points, indicative of the Prospect Industry.
Stone Tool Artifacts
The stone tools found at Prospect Farm are a defining feature of the site. These tools were primarily made from obsidian, a volcanic glass that was abundant in the region. The tools are characterized by their unique unifacially-worked points, setting them apart from the more common East African Stillbay style. Anthony, a researcher at the site, coined the term “Prospect Industry” to describe this unique style.
The site’s toolmaking is divided into four phases (I, II, III, IV) based on the age of the artifacts. Tools found in Localities I and II are the most prominent, suggesting that these areas were central to the activities of Prospect Farm’s inhabitants.
Bowl Artifacts
Another significant discovery at Prospect Farm was the Savanna Pastoral Neolithic bowls, often associated with the Stone Bowl Culture. These bowls were found primarily in Localities I and III and provide insight into the pastoral practices of the people who lived at the site. These findings suggest that the inhabitants of Prospect Farm were engaged in pastoralism, further indicated by their use of livestock and other domesticated animals.
Current Research and Findings
Research at Prospect Farm continues, with new excavations beginning in 2003 under the sponsorship of the University of Nairobi. In 2014, Goldstein and Munyiri carried out additional excavations on the higher slopes of Mt. Eburru, uncovering lithic artifacts that provide further evidence of the Pastoral Neolithic use of the site.
An important aspect of ongoing research is the role of obsidian at Prospect Farm. Scholars have hypothesized that the site served as an obsidian quarry, with evidence of at least sixteen petrological groups present, suggesting long-distance interaction with neighboring groups.
However, there remain gaps in understanding the exact timeline of the site’s use. Conflicting results from carbon and obsidian-based dating have led to challenges in establishing a clear chronology for the occupation of Prospect Farm.
Conclusion
Prospect Farm remains a crucial site for understanding the prehistoric human occupation of the Kenya Rift Valley. Through continued research and excavation, the site provides valuable insights into the Middle Stone Age, Later Stone Age, and Pastoral Neolithic periods, shedding light on the early human societies that once inhabited the area. The unique tool-making traditions and the evidence of long-distance interaction make Prospect Farm an essential focus for scholars studying prehistoric Africa.
