Pinnacle Point is a natural feature on the coastline of South Africa near Mossel Bay, that has several archaeological sites near the present-day shore. The sites are located adjacent to a country club, and are noted for the artifacts and traces of ancient peoples from the period of 110,000 years ago up to around 50,000 years ago.

This period flanked some of the most recognized cultural traditions of the Middle Stone Age, including the short-lived Howiesons Poort industry, as well as long-term use of shellfish and other aquatic foods, ochre, and the shifts in local environment across that time.

The image shows the two rockshelter areas designated as Pinnacle Point 5-6 North and South, prior to the start of excavation in the 1990s.

Image: Zenobia Jacobs and coworkers (2025)