Name: Monthly Talk, Western Cape Branch, South African Archaeological Society
Start: 2025-02-11T18:30:00+02:00
End: 2025-02-11T19:30:00+02:00
Location: The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)

Monthly Talk, Western Cape Branch, South African Archaeological Society

LECTURE: TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY, 18:00 for 18:30 at the SAAO AUDITORIUM, OBSERVATORY SPEAKER: Dr Amanda Esterhuysen
TITLE: "I Quite Expected This Would Cause Trouble" - Marking the Centenary of the discovery of the Taung Child

ABSTRACT: On the 7 February 1925, Raymond Dart published his ground-breaking paper describing the discovery of Australopithecus africanus, popularly known as the Taung Child. This find sparked reactions both locally and internationally, reshaping our understanding of human origins and firmly placing Africa at the centre of human evolution. To mark the centenary of this important discovery, this talk will explore the immediate impact and global responses it elicited, as well as the subsequent studies and interpretations that have shaped our knowledge of this fossil over the past 100 years.
BIO: Amanda Esterhuysen is an Associate Professor in the Archaeology Department at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She was part of the team that developed the management plan and public engagement materials for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (CoHWHS). Her publications include work on the teaching of evolution as well as the history and politics surrounding discoveries at the CoHWHS. Amanda taught in the Wits Archaeology Division for many years, and was the Head of the Origins Centre from 2018 to 2024.

DIRECTIONS to the SA Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Auditorium venue for talks:
Use this Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XxVKg33yCjwv86uw9
Alternatively follow these directions:
Coming from the N2, turn off to the M57 (Liesbeek Parkway) in the direction of Cape Town and continue to the 4-way traffic lights, passing Hartleyvale (hockey and football) on your left. Turn right at the traffic lights into Observatory Road, and go over the Liesbeek River bridge. The SAAO is next on the left. Once through the main sliding security gate, the security staff will scan your driver’s licence and car licence disc, and open the boom for you. Proceed straight ahead, then turn left, passing the main administrative building (on your right). Follow the AUDITORIUM signs, to the last building on the left. Please drive slowly so as not to injure any of the wildlife on the property.