Gestoptefontein Engravings: Centenary Objects Exhibition & Public Lecture

The sixth set of objects in the Wits Centenary Objects exhibition are mysterious Gestoptefontein engravings.

The sixth set of objects in the Wits Centenary Objects exhibition are mysterious Gestoptefontein engravings. These engravings, made on wonderstone (pyrophyllite), were rescued from mining activities on the farm Gestoptefontein in the North West Province. The engravings include motifs of clothing, ornaments, anthropo- and zoomorphs. The engravings have only recently been interpreted with an understanding of their context and cultural practices of their makers. Several factors – the rock art styles and imagery, local beliefs about a large Water Snake and Khoe-San ethnography – suggest that the engravings were linked with female initiation rituals and celebrations of womanhood.

From 10h00 to 11h00 Rock art specialist Dr Jeremy Hollmann will give a lecture about the fascinating Gestoptefontein engravings, landscape and interpretations. Specimens can be viewed between 11h00 and 16h00.

In collaboration with the Rock Art Research Institute. Exhibition funded by Genus. About Centenary Objects: 10 iconic artefacts from the revered collections of the Wits Earth Sciences Cluster will be display at Origins Centre. 10 objects in 10 months – each on display for 1 exclusive day each month! 

Spaces are limited. Enquiries: bookings.origins@wits.ac.za; tammy.hodgskiss@wits.ac.za. Tickets available on webtickets (public lecture or Centenary Objects exhibition; public lecture includes viewing the specimens).

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