What makes us human – fossil display at Maropeng – photo essay
Maropeng is thrilled to be exhibiting a collection of plant fossils and other artefacts which indicate that early humans, who lived 77 000 years ago, possessed complex cognitive abilities.
The new fossil display, What makes us human: The significance of the Sibudu Cave shelter, opens at Maropeng on March 2.
It will spark your imagination about how early Homo sapiens lived, and will leave you impressed at what fossil remains can tell us about the behaviour of our ancient human ancestors.
The fossil display will run until the end of May 2012. The following photo essay illustrates some of the material to be included in the display.
Leaves in plaster jacket. Credit: Professor Marion Bamford
Sibudu Cyperus sp. Spikelet about 73,000 years old. Credit: Christine Sievers
Professor Christopher Miller sampling sediments in order to make geological thin sections. Credit: Professor Lyn Wadley
Modern sedges being reaped on the uThongathi River. They will be used to make sleeping mats. Credit: Professor Lyn Wadley