Ode to Stone

Sandstone boundary-walls are a fairly common feature of the older parts of the town, as are the numerous water-furrows which serve the "waterlei-erwe" of the town. Unfortunately the proximity of the two to each other has led to the erosion of the sandstone and today many of the stone walls are crumbling. The wall on the northern boundary of this attractive parking-space is enlivened by a rather interesting stone construction called "Ode to Stone". It is the work of a local artist François Tiran and his son, Jean, who lamented the demise of countless sandstone buildings in Oudtshoorn and surroundings due to development and demolition.

During the construction of the wall in 2005 they invited citizens to participate and a number of special stones were placed in memory of loved ones.

The wall also contains several memorial plaques as well as niches so that objects of contemporary interest can be temporarily exhibited. One of the curiosities contributed by Flemish stone-mason, Joost Pyck, is the inscription in Old Diets by a Medieval monk which reads as follows:

“The birds are building their nests. What about you and I?”