The Origins Centre is
located in the Wedge at Yale Road in Johannesburg; and is operated in
partnership with the University of Witwatersrand’s archaeological department. Significant
archaeological materials have revealed time and time again that Africa is the
cradle of humanity, or the mother of mankind. Credible and compelling
scientific data testifies that, the Homo
sapiens species, which humans comprise, sprang in Africa; and later spread
to other parts of the planet. The museum is therefore entirely dedicated to
exploring and celebrating the emergence, history and subsequent evolution of
humanity. Through a well executed fusion of avant-garde technology and creative
vision, the sequential structure of the museum enables visitors to get a glimpse
into the complex and sometimes mysterious history of mankind.
The museum commences
with an exploration of the origin of Homo
sapiens; and provides a structured and persuasive hypothesis on how humans
spread from Africa to the rest of the world.
The second section of
the museum covers the evolution of art, symbolism, technology and language in
Africa. Exhibitions, film, holograms and touch screens, coupled with narratives,
spotlight the heritage of the San people (Bushman), whose genetic DNA print has
been linked to the early Homo sapiens
(160 000 years ago). Much is illustrated as regards the rock art, ancient
tools, belief systems and significant spiritual dances of the San people.
The exploration highlights
the destruction of the fascinating and diverse Southern African rock art
traditions by foreign elements, and terminates more positively with the
rediscovery of these ancient masterpieces in the contemporary world. On display
is an extensive collection of rock art from the Witwatersrand University Art
Research Institute. Exhibitions at the museum demonstrate how our understanding
of human evolution has been enhanced by genetic testing.
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