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Sterkfontein Collection

Discover the ancient wonders of Sterkfontein, South Africa

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Mrs. Ples skull

Mrs. Ples skull
Mrs. Ples. Reproduction of a skull of a Plesianthropus transvaalensis. Found at Sterkfontein. South Africa

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Skull of Australopithecus Africanus from Sterkfontein, South Africa, 3 to 2 million years BC

Skull of Australopithecus Africanus from Sterkfontein, South Africa, 3 to 2 million years BC. Australopithecus africanus is an extinct (fossil) species of the australopithecines

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus pelvis, STS-14 C015 / 6919

Australopithecus africanus pelvis, STS-14 C015 / 6919
Australopithecus africanus pelvis (STS-14). This fossil specimen was discovered in 1947, in Sterkfontein, South Africa. The entire specimen consists of the pelvis, part of the vertebral column

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus skull (STS-5) C015 / 6916

Australopithecus africanus skull (STS-5) C015 / 6916
Australopithecus africanus skull. This is specimen STS-5, also known as Mrs Ples. It dates from around 2 million years ago and was discovered in Sterkfontein, South Africa, in 1947

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Dr. Broom discovers adult Australopithecus cranium, 1936

Dr. Broom discovers adult Australopithecus cranium, 1936
An important discovery in South Africa: the brain-cast and parts of the skull of an anthropoid ape with human characteristics. Dr

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus skull (STS-71) C015 / 6798

Australopithecus africanus skull (STS-71) C015 / 6798
Australopithecus africanus skull. This skull consists of two fossils: STS-71 and STS-36. STS-71 is the upper specimen, discovered in 1947, in Sterkfontein, South Africa

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Silberberg Grotto, South Africa, artwork

Silberberg Grotto, South Africa, artwork
Silberberg Grotto, South Africa. Computer artwork showing the layout of the Silberberg Grotto in the Sterkfontein cave system of South Africa

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus model

Australopithecus africanus model
Model of an adult female Australopithecus africanus reconstructed from remains found at Sterkfontein, South Africa. Probably lived about 2.5 million years ago during the Plio-Pleistocene

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus sp. hip bone

Australopithecus sp. hip bone
The hip bone (Os coxae) of Australopithecus from Sterkfontein, South Africa

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus sp. thigh & hip bone

Australopithecus sp. thigh & hip bone

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus cranium & mandible (Sts 5)

Australopithecus africanus cranium & mandible (Sts 5)
Cast reconstruction of cranium & mandible belonging to Australopithecus africanus discovered at Sterkfontein by Dr Robert Broom and J.T. Robinson in April 1947

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus cranium (Sts 5)

Australopithecus africanus cranium (Sts 5)
Cast reconstruction of cranium belonging to Australopithecus africanus discovered at Sterkfontein by Dr Robert Broom and J.T. Robinson in April 1947

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus

Australopithecus africanus
Model of an adult female Australopithecus africanus reconstructed from remains found at Sterkfontein, South Africa. Probably lived about 2.5 million years ago

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Mrs Ples skull

Mrs Ples skull. Artwork of the skull of the Australopithecus africanus hominin fossil known as Mrs Ples. It dates from around 2 million years ago and was discovered in Sterkfontein, South Africa

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Little Foot skull

Little Foot skull. Artwork of the skull of the Australopithecus hominin fossil catalogued as Stw 573, and known colloquially as Little Foot. It has been dated to 2.2 to 3.3 million years ago

Background imageSterkfontein Collection: Australopithecus africanus skull

Australopithecus africanus skull. Artwork of the skull of the Australopithecus africanus hominin fossil catalogued as STS 505


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Discover the ancient wonders of Sterkfontein, South Africa. Step back in time as you explore the rich history and fascinating artifacts that have been unearthed at this remarkable site. One of the most iconic finds is the Mrs. Ples skull, a captivating specimen belonging to Australopithecus Africanus dating back 3 to 2 million years BC. This incredible discovery provides valuable insights into our human ancestors and their evolution. In 1936, Dr. Broom made another groundbreaking discovery when he stumbled upon an adult Australopithecus cranium at Sterkfontein. This find further solidified the importance of this location in unraveling our past. The collection also includes various skulls such as STS-5 C015/6917, STS-71 C015/6798, and STS-5 C016/5326 - all belonging to Australopithecus africanus. These skulls offer a glimpse into the physical characteristics and features of these early hominids. Not only are skulls present in abundance, but other skeletal remains like pelvises (STS-14 C015/6919) provide additional evidence for understanding locomotion patterns and body structure among Australopithecus species. Silberberg Grotto artwork transports visitors to prehistoric times with its stunning depictions of life during that era. The intricate details showcase how early humans lived and interacted with their environment. To bring these ancient beings to life, there are models showcasing what Australopithecus africanus may have looked like based on fossil evidence found at Sterkfontein. Don't miss out on exploring hip bones from both Australopithecus sp. , giving us more clues about their anatomy and movement capabilities during their existence millions of years ago. As you wander through Sterkfontein's exhibits, marvel at thigh bones alongside hip bones from Australopithecus sp.