Blombos Cave - Still Bay, Garden Route

Blombos Cave is an important archaeological site located near Stilbaai on the southern coast of the Western Cape, South Africa. The cave is renowned for its significant contributions to our understanding of early human behavior and prehistory. It has been a focal point for research into the Middle Stone Age and is considered one of the key sites for studying the origins of modern human cognition and culture.

Significance and Findings

1. Early Human Art and Tools: Blombos Cave has yielded a wealth of artifacts that shed light on the cognitive and cultural development of early humans. Among the most notable discoveries are engraved ochre pieces and shell beads, which suggest that the inhabitants of the cave engaged in symbolic thinking and personal adornment as early as 75,000 years ago. These findings provide evidence of early artistic and symbolic behavior, marking a significant milestone in human prehistory.

2. Stone Age Tools: The cave has also produced a range of stone tools that highlight the advanced technological skills of its prehistoric occupants. These tools include finely crafted bifacial points and scrapers, demonstrating the sophisticated craftsmanship and resourcefulness of early humans. The variety and complexity of the tools found at Blombos Cave offer insights into the daily life and survival strategies of Stone Age communities.

3. Preservation and Research: Blombos Cave is well-preserved, and ongoing research continues to reveal new information about the site. The cave's stratigraphy and the well-preserved nature of the artifacts provide valuable data for archaeologists studying the evolution of human behavior. The site is a key location for understanding the development of complex thought processes and social structures in early humans.

Visitor Information

While Blombos Cave itself is not open to the public for general tours, it is an active research site. Visitors interested in learning more about the cave and its discoveries can visit the Blombos Museum of Archaeology in Stilbaai, which displays artifacts and provides information about the site.

For more information on the cave, its significance, and related research, contacting the museum or local archaeological institutions is recommended. Blombos Cave remains a cornerstone in the study of early human history, offering a window into the cognitive and cultural evolution of our ancestors.