1. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF FOSSILIFEROUS CAVES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA?
- Author
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Benoit, J., Penn-Clarke, C. R., and Helm, C. W.
- Subjects
TRADITIONAL knowledge ,CAVES ,INDIGENOUS peoples ,CAVE paintings ,PLANT identification ,FOSSIL hominids ,MESOLITHIC Period ,FOLKLORE - Abstract
The article examines the indigenous knowledge of fossil-filled caves in Southern Africa, specifically focusing on the Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa (FHSSA). While indigenous populations in the region have a deep understanding of the geological environment and the presence of fossils, there is a lack of indigenous knowledge specifically related to fossil-filled caves. The article proposes that cave emergence myths, which are prevalent globally, may actually be referring to these fossil-bearing caves in Southern Africa. This hypothesis is supported by physical evidence such as rock engravings and the cultural significance of caves in the region. The text also highlights the higher concentration of cave emergence myths in southern Africa compared to other parts of the continent, suggesting that the abundance of fossil-rich caves in the area may have influenced the development and perpetuation of these myths. The dominance of these myths in the southern African cultural landscape may be attributed to factors such as indigenous knowledge of the caves and population migrations. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2023