Institute for Human Evolution - Sterkfontein Caves
University of the Witwatersrand
- Program Civil Society
- Program Area Special Initiatives
- Grant Amount $26,400
- Grant Period October 1, 2005–September 30, 2006
- Location Johannesburg, South Africa
- Geographic Focus South Africa
About this grant
Heralded as one of the cradles of humankind, the Institute for Human Evolution – Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa has one of the world’s richest collections of human fossils. The collection, which requires sustained and long-term exploration and excavation, should reveal significant insights on human ancestry and provide answers to many questions about the evolution of the human race.Funding will enable the institute to continue excavating the caves and opening new sites where fossils have been found. Of particular interest will be the excavating, cleaning, reconstruction and casting of a 3.3 million year-old complete skeleton that is still embedded in the cave deposit. Information resulting from the study of the skeleton and skull will provide important opportunities for research and serve as a resource for public education about the origins of the human race.The institute is based at the University of Witwatersrand, which was established in 1921.