Blombos Museum of Archaeology
AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Accommodation | Tourist Experiences | OPEN: Monday – Saturday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Phone: +27 (0)28 754 2602
Introduction
Nestled in the charming town of Stilbaai, just four hours from Cape Town, lies a hidden gem that transports visitors through the corridors of time – the Blombos Museum of Archaeology. Steeped in history and boasting a rich collection of artifacts, this small museum offers a fascinating journey into the ancient cultures that once thrived in the Western Cape.
About the Museum
Established in 2006 and inaugurated by the esteemed Professor Chris Henshilwood, the Blombos Museum of Archaeology is housed in the historic De Jagerhuis-opstal in Palinggat (Stilbaai), and managed by dedicated members of the Hessequa Society for Archaeology.
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The museum’s focal point is the Blombos Cave display, featuring bifacial points, bone tools, freshwater shells turned beads, and replicas of ancient ochre engravings. The pièce de résistance is a 75,000-year-old piece of ochre, adorned with deliberate geometric markings, believed to be the world’s oldest example of art. The exhibits span the Early, Middle, and Later Stone Ages, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past.
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A fascinating addition to the museum is the gallery showcasing the Bushman rock art of the Langeberg mountains. Dr. Renée Rust’s meticulous documentation of this ancient art adds a layer of depth to the displays. Life-size tracings, enlarged photographs, and insights into the art of early people make this gallery a captivating exploration of indigenous creativity.
Interesting Facts
- Home to the world’s oldest necklace, the Blombos Museum showcases tiny freshwater “Tic” shells with handmade holes, excavated from the Blombos Cave 75,000 years ago.
- Stilbaai, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and excellent water conditions, reveals its ancient roots through stone points dating back to the Stone Age, highlighted in meticulous detail at the museum.
- The museum offers an intriguing glimpse into the unique diet of the early inhabitants, emphasising the reliance on fish, shellfish, fynbos, and mammals that sustained communities for millennia.
- Delving into the Stone Ages, the museum’s exhibits span Early, Middle, and Later periods, featuring stone tools, points, and a replica of the world’s oldest art – a 75,000-year-old piece of ochre adorned with deliberate geometric markings.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Tourist Experiences
Make a trip of it and visit some of the other recommended museums, tourist attractions and experiences in the area.
Conclusion
As you step into the little Blombos Museum of Archaeology, you embark on a journey through time, unlocking the mysteries of human evolution and creativity. From the enigmatic ochre markings to the intricate Bushman rock art, every exhibit tells a story that transcends the ages. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Blombos Museum of Archaeology invites you to delve into the depths of our shared past, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the ancient wonders that shape our present.