'We are who we are because of who we were'

Offerings and events with the Origins Centre team

Archaic Homo sapiens, Homo heidelbergensis skull casts (2006) by VariousOriginal Source: Origins Centre, University of the Witwatersrand

What makes us human

Origins Centre museum is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind. 

We do this through the museum experience, education programmes, contemporary art, workshops and outreach activities.

replica engraved ostrich eggshell (2021) by Replica by Cedric PoggenpoelOriginal Source: Origins Centre, University of the Witwatersrand and The French Institute of South Africa

Human innovation

The earliest evidence of 'modern human' behavior and thought' is found in Africa. 

Complex stone and bone tools, engraved items, natural pigments and shell beads older than 80 000 years have been found in Africa. 

Trance dance, San rock painting (2019) by San Hunter-GathererOriginal Source: Rock Art Research Institute, University of the Witwatersrand. www.sarada.co.za

Community and understanding

At Origins Centre we aim to create a deep appreciation for South Africa's and Africa's rich and varied contribution to knowledge in science, humanity, art, language, ideology and technology. The Centre is a place for open and frank discussion to expose and dispel scientific racism, inaccuracies and stereotypes. 

Double Vision (2006) by Pippa Skotnes and Malcolm PayneOriginal Source: Origins Centre, University of the Witwatersrand

Finding and naming the people in our past

Many of the authors and creators of Africa's past (and humanity's past) are not known by name. In the museum,  we aim to find more personal ways to embrace southern Africa's past - a past of many personal stories and oral histories.

We are all connected (2018)Original Source: Origins Centre, University of the Witwatersrand

Exploring the human journey

We aim to teach and inspire through the educational programmes, postgraduate supervision and through interactive experiences at the museum about the shared journey we have as humans and our innate creativity.

Four Tibetan Buddhist monks create a sand mandala (2018) by Tibetan MonksOriginal Source: Origins Centre, University of the Witwatersrand

Diverse people unite

We host a range of events, temporary exhibitions and workshops, that spark conversation, bring change in peoples thinking or, just simply, offer beauty and meaning.

Temporary exhibition: Origins and Dinosaurs @KidsConSA (September 2019) by Origins Centre and the Evolutionary Studies InstituteOriginal Source: Origins Centre and the Evolutionary Studies Institute

Interactive space

Want to be an archaeologist or a palaeontologist? Now's the time to try. 

Colourful powders ground from stones (2020) by Tania OlssonOriginal Source: Tammy Hodgskiss

Fun Activities and Ochre workshops

The Origins Centre ochre workshops are fun, interactive and messy. 
You can learn about the many uses of natural pigments - in the ancient past and now - while you create your own artworks out of natural pigments.

The Rock Engraving Archive (2019) by San and Khoe (Khoi)Original Source: Origins Centre, University of the Witwatersrand

Knowledge is power

We provide a multi-disciplinary space to display art, fossils and artefacts that tell a scientifically researched narrative about the ‘origins’ of life, humankind and society. The museum is a science communication platform that offers an ideal physical space to communicate knowledge and understanding about ‘origins’. 

Credits: Story

Wits Science Faculty
School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental StudiesEvolutionary Studies Institute
Palaeontology 4 All: Ian McKay, Mufuniwa Mudau
Origins Staff: Amanda Esterhuysen, Nathan Moses, Bongiwe Ndulula, Tammy Hodgskiss, Memory Ndhlovu, Nkateko Mabusela, Dylon Adams, Kerayamang Mafora, Brian Mogaki, Joyce Molopyane, Rose, Lydia, Lindiwe, 
Jasmine Reynard
Online exhibition curator: Tammy Hodgskiss

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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