Libby Young finds that the Internet can be prehistoric
The Sterkfontein archaeological treasure trove was named one of three world heritage sites in South Africa in 2000, along with finds at Swartkrans, Kromdraai and environs. These fossil hominid sites are complemented by online web sites that provide plenty of educational material on our country’s place in evolution. One of the best is the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment’s Cradle of Civilisation. The site sports an animated “Evolution Walk” showing the development of humankind from the earliest hominid to modern man.
There’s plenty of information on the 2,5-million-year-old Mrs Ples and Little Foot, the 3,3-million-year-old skeleton that some scientists believe could be the missing link between hominids and apes. The site includes maps, aerial photographs and 0nline greeting cards.
http://www.cradleofhumankind.co.za/
Our fascinating prehistory is being promoted as a major tourist attraction and the Prime Origins website is doing its bit to attract both local and international travellers. The site provides the latest archaeological news, unusual did-you-know snippets of information sure to spark learners’ curiosity, and a guide to the various fossil routes that have been established around the country. It also offers book reviews and an in-depth look at rock art.
http://www.primeorigins.co.za/
Museums Online provides a terrific database of information on our country’s past with much more than just a guide to various museums around the country. Click on the link to the South African Museum and you’ll find the Archaeology and Anthropology Index with interesting sections on rock art and fossil finds. The palaeontology section takes a look at the fossil reptiles found in the Karoo and ancient footprints discovered on Table Mountain.
http://www.museums.org.za
If these sites have whetted your appetite for more information, visit the Genesis of Man website, created by Höerskool Die Adelaar back in 1996. You’ll find an introduction to the hominid finds in Africa, a QuickTime movie showing the spread of our early ancestors, and essays on the first use of fire and stone tools. http://cyberfair.gsn.org/adelaar/index.htm
For a look at more recent archaeological discoveries, the University of Cape Town’s Archaeology web site hosts a number of school projects such as one devoted to the excavations of the village of Genadendal and Grove Primary School’s excavation into Cape Town’s colonial past.
http://www.archafrica.uct.ac.za/
Although not devoted exclusively to Africa, the website belonging to the Archaeological Institute of America has many intriguing articles such as one on the royal Maya tomb find. Use the search facility and type in “Africa” for material closer to home.
http://www.archaeology.org/index.html
— The Teacher/Mail & Guardian, March 19, 2001.