Swartkrans Fossil Site – Photo essay

May 12, 2010

This week we take a look at the Swartkrans fossil site. Swartkrans is an archaeological cave site, part of the Cradle of Humankind, which has proved rich in hominid fossils, especially Australopithecus robustus. Excavations at Swartkrans continue and have helped to provide valuable information about our hominid ancestors.

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Swartkrans, being part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, is situated near Sterkfontein. The landscape hides secrets, millions of years old, about humanity’s beginnings

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Morris Sutton, a researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand, gives this group of palaeoanthropology boffins a tour of the site

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Reuben Tsime, an award-winning guide at Maropeng, partners with Sutton to host the Swartkrans Walking Tour. The various guides at Maropeng will take turns hosting the tours with Morris.

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This tour group is dwarfed at the enigmatic entrance to the cave

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Morris Sutton answering the many questions from the curious crowd before him

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Ancient, weathered rocks bear mute testimony to the history they hold

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Swartkrans presents a picturesque African landscape, dotted with unique flora

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The Swartkrans Walking Tour is no cake-walk. Be prepared to go to great lengths (or heights) to learn more about its fascinating secrets

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A scrumptious buffet greets tired, hungry, but informed walkers after a long morning

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