The emergence of modern humans: Pleistocene human sites in South Africa
<p>The South African Pleistocene Human Sites Collection helps us understand the origins of behaviorally modern humans, their cognitive abilities, culture, and the climate changes they experienced. The collection consists of three archaeological sites in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa: the Diepkloof Rock Shelter, the Pinnacle Point complex, and the Sibhudu Caves. They provide the most diverse and best-preserved record of the development of modern human behavior, dating back to 162,000 years ago. Ochre processing, engraved patterns, decorated beads, decorated eggshells, advanced projectile weapons and tool-making techniques, and microliths are all examples of symbolic thinking and advanced technology of the time. </p>