Kathu Pan 1 was both the earliest and, as of 2013, the most extensively investigated of the Kathu Pan sites. Discovered in 1974, the site was first excavated in 1975 by Peter Beaumont over three seasons, with further excavations in 1979, 1980 and 1982 (Beaumont, P.B. 1990. Kathu Pan. In Beaumont, P.B. & Morris, D. 1990. Guide to archaeological sites in the Northern Cape. Kimberley: McGregor Museum: 75).During the early excavations, a 50m2 area was mechanically excavated to a depth of 3m to expose the lithic bearing strata below. Five strata were identified, with strata 1 and 5 being sterile (portions of Ceramic LSA pot had been retrieved from Stratum 1 by the farm owner's children in the mid-70s). Stratum 2 consisted of low density LSA material, including stone artefacts and ostrich eggshell fragments. Stratum 3 contained Middle Stone Age artefacts in various stages of abrasion, as well as some ostrich eggshell fragments in the upper levels. Stratum 4a contained prepared cores, blades, convergent and laterally retouched points, flake side scrapers, and occasional, refined handaxes. This level also included soft, red haemetite that would appear to have been deliberately collected from elsewhere, possibly for ritual purposes. Stratum 4a's assemblage was attributed to the Fauresmith Industry. Stratum 4b comprised up to 4m of deposit, containing small, less refined handaxes, cleavers, coarse unifacial and bifacial points, straight and convex-edged scrapers, irregular and adjacent-platform cores and small, irregular flakes. These artefacts are of early Acheulean origin. Fauna is represented in Strata 2-4b by dental remains of extinct Recks elephant (Elephas), white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium), extinct giant buffalo (Pelorovis) and springhare (Pedetes). The presence of these grazing animals indicates grassier environment than is currently the case.
