Sterkfontein

"Sterkfontein" provides an easy-to-read overview of the geological and fossil history of the Sterkfontein Valley in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Most famous for "Mrs. Ples" and "Little Foot," the Sterkfontein Caves have produced more australopithecines than any other site in the world since excavations began in the 1930s. The fossil record--comprising thousands of animals, plants and hominids--is simply presented and current debates are explained. An overview of the pioneers in the field, and of the role played by the discovery of gold, provides an informative historical context to the early discoveries, while the use of visual markers from Sterkfontein Caves enables visitors to identify essential features and formations.

"Amanda Esterhuysen" is a lecturer in archaeology at the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa).