Origins The Story of the Emergence of Humans and Humanity in Africa

About this book

Origins: The Story of the Emergence of Humans and Humanity in Africa demonstrates the very special position Africa occupies in the evolution and creative development of humankind. After almost a century of scientific research into the archaeology, palaeontology and rock art of the region, southern Africa has become known as the cradle of humankind. This is what present book celebrates.

Written by a team of international scholars under the editorship of Geoff Blundell, deputy director of the Rock Art research Institute at Wits, Origins: The Story of the Emergence of Humans and Humanity in Africa is intended to introduce readers to this fascinating subject in an accessible and pictorial way. "Origins" is an absorbing and enjoyable read for anyone interested in the African origins and evolution of the human race.

Contents

Section 1: African Genesis
- 'Little Foot'
- Laetoli footprints
- Early Chad hominids
- The human family tree
- Origins of language in Africa

Section 2: Africa's Creative
- Explosion
- Genetics
- Blombos excavation
- Howieson's Poort excavation
- Later Stone Age burials
- African rock art

Section 3: Rediscovering Africa
- Modern African population genetics
- San languages
- East Indian Ocean trade
- The rock art
- Mapungubwe

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