Pebble towers of tiny stones which are uniquely balanced are making their mark on Table View and Milnerton beaches, transforming the coastline with hundreds of these towers already dominating the scene.
But when residents posted a few photos on social media sharing the “rare sight” recently, it quickly attracted robust discussions.
While others admire the artistic beauty of the stones, many argue that stone stacking destroys the environment and moving rocks from one place to the next disturbs the home of a tiny critter living beneath.
“While one may think this looks lovely, we are reminded that the practice of building cairns goes against a key principle of being out in the natural world: Leave no trace,” a post on Facebook reads.
Marge Carsten agrees with the Facebook user, saying that it is a curious, but destructive practice.
“Stacking up stones is simply vandalism.”
A beachgoer who wishes to remain anonymous disagrees with Carsten, saying the fuss is “totally unnecessary”.
“Where are the days when one can just enjoy a beautifully-made and artistic creation without the fuss?” he says.
A resident told TygerBurger that the man responsible for the stone towers cleans up the beach as well.
”He isn’t harming anyone or anything. In fact, he brings much joy to those who appreciate the patience and skill taken to do this. I love having a quiet moment here, just smelling the ocean air and listening to the sea,” a user via Facebook says.
The origin
The balancing of stones is an elementary kind of creation, not unlike the building of sand castles.
Stone stacks, or cairns, have prehistoric origins.
According to National Geographic, stone piles have been built by world cultures from nomadic to agricultural to tribal.
“Misplaced rock stacks can lead hikers off trail, endanger fragile ecosystems (like Acadia’s alpine plants); or, if stones are pried loose for cairn-making, promote erosion,” a statement on their website reads.
Hiking trails
Stone towers can also be seen on hiking trails in the city.
“They’re popping up everywhere,” says a resident who is a frequent hiker.
He recently spotted stone cairns throughout a trail in a nature reserve.
He says hikers should remember the mantra “leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos”.
Others argue that stone towers also serve as talismans and symbols of faith.
