The Western Cape is a treasure trove of glimpses into the human societies and customs of the ancient world — and a new Cradle of Human Culture route aims to help locals and tourists discover its many archaeological secrets and connect with their roots.
Blombos Cave (in the Blombosfontein Nature Reserve), Pinnacle Point (south of Mossel Bay) and Diepkloof Rock Shelter (on the Cape West Coast) collectively house some of the earliest evidences of human evolution. As such, they’re proposed sites on the culture route and have been nominated for World Heritage status.
These sites hold ancient artifacts between 27,000 to 170,000 years old: bone and sharp stone tools, engraved ochre, shell beads and intricately-decorated ostrich shells.
Similar traces of early humans can be found across all six regions of the province, including at the West Coast Fossil Park (on the road to Langebaan), which is home to one of the world’s richest concentrations of fossils dating back five-million years.
And museums such as Cape Town’s new Zeitz MOCAA will also feature on the route — providing a glimpse into present-day and future trends of society and culture.
“We are hoping that the Cradle of Human Culture will become a tool for all South Africans to enjoy these beautiful sites, explore our common origins, dive into our past and understand what makes us humans, says Dr Mxolisi Dlamuka, who serves as Director for Museums, Heritage and Geographical Names Services and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
“Through this journey, visitors to the Cradle of Human Culture will discover the enormous contribution that South Africa played in making us all humans.”
The cultural route’s launch is slated for 11 April 2019 with the development of a micro-website with detailed educational content, according to Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris.
“While the dawn of humankind was incepted in the limestone caves of Northern Gauteng, the story continued and grew into the Western Cape,” reads a media release from Wesgro, Cape Town’s public relations contractor for tourism, trade and investment.
A short video, imagery and booklet will be shared on social media channels, according to Wesgro.
“We are excited to introduce both local and international visitors to the Cradle of Human Culture, and hope to welcome many Easter holidaymakers following the official launch,” explains Harris.
The route is a joint collaboration between Wesgro’s Destination Marketing Unit, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), the provincial Department of Culture Affairs and Sport (DCAS), and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (WHS).