De Hoop Collection's Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour Exhibition

There are many natural wonders in the world, but only a few offer such remarkable diversity as does the pristine De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve in the Western Cape, one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature and renowned as one the best spots for land-based whale watching in South Africa. In the heart of the reserve the De Hoop Collection, arguably one of South Africa's most perfect destinations for a weekend getaway, offers a range of accommodation and a unique outdoor experience like no other - sea, beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, rare indigenous plants, diverse animal and bird life, whales and now, the 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour' exhibition.

Opened in January, the exhibition - a collaboration of De Hoop Collection and CapeNature with the Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, the SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE) and the University of Bergen, Norway highlights the Southern Cape coastline's archaeological heritage and showcases archaeological discoveries at the Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter and Klasies River occupied by early Homo sapiens between 120 000 and 50 000 years 250. A culmination of a lifelong passion and commitment to documenting human origins by Craig Foster and archaeological research in the Southern Cape by SapienCE scientists Prafessor Christopher Henshilwood, Dr Karen van Niekerk, Professor Sarah Wurz and their research teams, the exhibition first opened in 2018 at Spier Wine Estate.

The De Hoop Collection exhibition has been curated by Craig Foster (producer of the Oscar and BAFTA winning documentary, My Octopus Teacher) and archaeologist Petro Keene and will be managed by the De Hoop Collection team in collaboration with CapeNature The exhibition offers visitors and learners to the De Hoop Nature Reserve a glimpse into the region's rich human history, the reserve's archaeological significance and connection to our ancient past and the opportunity to enhance their cultural experiences of South Africa.

De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes

For more information, visit HERE.

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