Wonderwerk Cave, Archaeological site near Kuruman, South Africa.
Wonderwerk Cave is an archaeological site near Kuruman that extends about 140 meters horizontally into a hillside and contains multiple sediment layers. These layers document natural events and human activities spanning many thousands of years.
Archaeological excavations beginning in the 1940s revealed evidence of human occupation reaching back roughly two million years within this limestone formation. These discoveries make the site a crucial window into the earliest chapters of human history.
The inner sections display rock paintings and carved stones from the Later Stone Age, showing how ancient people expressed their beliefs and daily experiences. These artworks reveal the spiritual and social values that mattered most to these early communities.
The site lies south of Kuruman and can be reached via the Kuruman-Danielskuil road, with self-catering lodging available on the premises. Visitors should be prepared for the dry climate and bring supplies needed for comfort during their visit.
Research has uncovered evidence of the earliest controlled use of fire at this location, marking a turning point in human development. This finding reveals why the site is so important for understanding techniques that fundamentally transformed humanity.
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