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We are, because of who we were
Origins Centre
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San art at the Origins Centre
© San art at the Origins Centre
Located in Johannesburg, at the University of the Witwatersrand, the Origins Centre comprises 2 independent, yet closely related museums - the South African Museum of Rock Art (SAMORA) and the James Kitching Gallery.
The idea for the Centre was conceived by President Thabo Mbeki after he visited the world-famous San rock art site of Game Pass, in the Kamberg region of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg. He was perturbed to see how little had been done to share and protect this fragile heritage for the people of South Africa.
The SAMORA museum focuses on the origins of modern humans and human image-making, whilst the James Kitching Gallery looks broadly at the origins of human life. Described as ‘a museum in Africa for the people of the world’ the museum sites draw together dinosaur bones and DNA, San rock art and anthropological artefacts in a fascinating ensemble that seeks to understand the evolution of South African history, through the spiritual beliefs and the artistic legacy of the San people.
Scientific research indicates that modern human lineages originally come out of Africa, meaning we, the people of the world, share 99.9% of our DNA. ‘We are who we are because of who we were’, so go on a journey of self-discovery at the Origins Centre.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Origins Centre
Tel: +27(0)11 717 4700
Web: www.origins.org.za