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South Africa

Blombos Cave

Stone Age cave with symbolic artifacts

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

Blombos Cave is a significant archaeological site on the Southern Cape coastline of South Africa. It houses Middle Stone Age deposits dating back approximately 101,000 to 70,000 years ago and a Late Stone Age sequence from 2000 to 300 years ago. The site is renowned for its evidence of early human symbolic behavior, including engraved ochre and bone, as well as the production of marine shell beads. These findings suggest advanced cognitive and cultural developments in early Homo sapiens, such as symbolically mediated behavior and technological innovations. The cave's preservation conditions have allowed for the recovery of a wide array of faunal remains and artifacts, providing unique insights into the subsistence and social strategies of its ancient inhabitants.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Blombos Cave

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Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Industrial and Craft Structures

Workshops

Artistic and Decorative Features

InscriptionsCave Paintings

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock SheltersBone Middens

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
South Africa
Source
Wikipedia