World-renowned archaeologist Professor Phillip Tobias once said that “humanity was Africa’s gift to the world.” Many scholars believe that Africa is the birthplace of humanity and, with the significant archaeological finds to its credit, the world tends to agree.
South Africa – Explore the origins
South Africa is home to some three million years of prehistory and history, inherited from the ancient cultures that made the mountains and plains their home. This rich heritage places the country among the few regions in the world where these steps towards cultural development can be followed. If you are interested in the origins of mankind, a trip to South Africa is highly recommended. There are a multitude of sites where remarkable discoveries have been made over the years and are now open to the public. Tours of these sites allow enthusiasts to glimpse their own origins.
Until 1924 the world had turned its attention to Asia in its search for the origins of mankind. Professor Raymond Dart revolutionized this way of thinking when he discovered the skull of a six-year-old boy in a block of rock sent to him from the city of Taung, in the North West Province of South Africa. The skull showed anatomical features of both apes and humans and was named Australopithecus africanus. The skull is considered one of the 20 most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century. Once the skull was discovered, scientists turned their attention to South Africa and a host of archaeological sites were found. Tea Taung Heritage is now one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations, a monument has been built to commemorate the discovery and an old mining tunnel has been reopened for visitors to explore. The Blue Pools are another feature that draws visitors to the Heritage Site. Discovered after a dynamite explosion on a mountain!
where lime was mined, the pools are surrounded by caves and streams and are a popular site for hiking, abseiling, picnics and barbecues.
Another remarkable find was made in 1947 by Dr. Robert Broom, who discovered a perfectly preserved adult skull of Australopithecus africanus belonging to “Mrs. Ples”, 2.5 million years old, at Sterkfontein. Several hundred discoveries followed, some dating back 3.5 million years and the Sterkfontein site earned its name: the cradle of humanity. Some of the finds from the cribs include 500 fossil skulls, jaws, teeth, and skeletons of early hominins, thousands of other animal fossils, more than 300 fossil wood fragments, and more than 9,000 stone tools. the cradle of humanity [http://www.africanoutposts.co.za/index.q] it is a World Heritage Site and certain areas are open to the public. There are also various exhibitions, guided tours and lectures by renowned archaeologists. Cradle Restaurant is the perfect day of exploration and enlightenment. This beautiful stone, steel and glass built restaurant opens on three sides with a magnificent view of Africa!
scenery.
The Limpopo province of South Africa is a land of myth and legend: the area has a rich cultural history and there are many archaeological sites. Tea Makapan Cave and nearby archaeological and fossil sites are at the Makapansgat farm, 19 km north of Mokopane. It was here in 1948 that Raymond Dart found the fossil remains of Australopithecus africanus, a 3.5-million-year-old ape-man. The Makapans Valley, a National Heritage site and currently in line for World Heritage Status, contains an extensive and comprehensive record of hominin occupation. The Makapan Caves are full of fossils and archaeological remains and you can take a tour of the caves and the area.
Long before Bartholomew Dias rounded the Cape in 1488, the art of gold working was being mastered by Bantu-speaking people living near the Cape. Limpopo River. Gold objects and other interesting finds have recently been made here. Also near the Limpopo River, Thulamela in Kruger National Park it was home to a large stone-walled settlement. Much of the old stone wall has been restored to its former glory and the National Parks Board is working on plans to make this fascinating site a tourist destination in the northern part of the Kruger National Park. Not only can you marvel at the site’s archaeological finds, but you can also enjoy spending time in one of the world’s most acclaimed game reserves.
In more recent years, South Africa has once again captured the world’s attention with the discoveries of human remains in the Klasies River Caves along the Eastern Cape coast. Human remains with anatomically modern features have been found, dating back more than 100,000 years. If these dates are correct, then it is in southern Africa that the world’s oldest remains of our own species, Homo sapiens, have been found, some 60,000 years before their arrival in Europe and Asia.
In addition to all the human remains discovered in South Africa over the years, the art treasure. South Africa has the largest collection of Stone Age paintings and prints in the world. The San have left us an invaluable and unique artistic legacy.
Robert Ardry wrote that “Mankind evolved under the canopy of the African skies on the vast gaming table of the African savannah.” Exploring this evolution is a great way to learn more about the origin of humanity. Not only will you be enlightened on your tour of South Africa’s archaeological treasures, but you’ll also get to experience the modern treasures of this beautiful country.
