Wonderwerk Cave

credit: https://museumsnc.co.za/new_site/wonderwerk-cave-qr/

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Friday | MORE INFO: Museum Website

Table of Contents

Introduction

Nestled in the Kuruman Hills of South Africa’s Northern Cape province, Wonderwerk Cave is a site that boasts a rich geological, archaeological, and historical legacy. With its unique features, including stalagmites, rock paintings, and the oldest known evidence of human use of fire, Wonderwerk Cave is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in delving into the deep human story.

About the Cave

Wonderwerk Cave is a satellite of the McGregor Museum. The site is a dolomite cave that formed in a shallow ocean over 2 billion years ago. The cave’s walls and roof contain stromatolites, some of the earliest traces of life on earth.

Upon entering the cave, visitors will encounter a massive stalagmite that began forming over 35,000 years ago and continues to grow today. The walls near the front of the cave are adorned with finger paintings of animals and geometric signs created by hunter-gatherers who lived in the cave until the 1800s.

Beyond the stalagmite lies an archaeological excavation that stretches from the recent past to almost two million years ago, providing unique insights into the deep human story represented in this cave.

Interesting Facts

One of the most intriguing aspects of Wonderwerk Cave is the evidence of human use of fire.
Traces of wood, ash, and evidence of burning on bone and stone in a layer dated to around one million years ago are the oldest known indication that our early ancestors at that time used fire.
The use of fire for cooking and warmth is argued to have been a driving force behind key aspects of human evolution, including changes in digestive anatomy and the shape of the face.
Wonderwerk Cave is also the earliest known cave dwelling of human ancestors, with the Oldowan artifacts found in the basal layer.
In addition to the evidence of human occupation, the accumulated layers of tiny bones beneath the perches of owls provide a way for archaeozoologists to track past changes in climate.

Physical Location

Conclusion

With its geological, archaeological, and historical significance, Wonderwerk Cave is a destination that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you’re interested in the earliest traces of life on earth, the emergence of human evolution, or tracking past changes in climate, this site offers a unique opportunity to delve into the deep human story. Please remembers, as a heritage site, it’s important to help preserve this and other heritage sites in the Northern Cape as you enjoy your visit.