Witzenberg, Ceres, Matjesrivier Farm

Abstract

Photographs and information on a bell on the farm Matjesrivier near Ceres. Matjesrivier Farm has one of the most intriguing bells that we have encountered during our investigation. The farm itself lies some 40 kilometres East of Ceres in a rather desolate area that is used to grow fruit trees. Having a closer look at the bell, one really wonders who made it and where it came from. At first it gives the impression that it has been made by putting separate rings of metal and with changing diameters one above the other. In the middle of the bell one finds a kind of cross. Below one reads in very primitive letters AVE MARIA 1799 S. CARLOS which ought to give us a clue where the bell came from. We have no idea whether S. Carlos refers to a Saint or perhaps to the maker (one can hardly call him a founder) of the primitive bell.