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Our Shop

The Origins Shop is open to every Monday to Saturday from 09H00 to 16H00.

Items for sale are a mix of eclectic and beautiful ethnic objects, art, which contrast with more traditional, authentic pieces and contemporary items with a distinctly South African flavour. The majority of merchandise on sale in the Origins Shop is the product of creative and craft initiatives led by local communities, non-governmental organisations, women’s groups and individual South African artists and crafters.

Origins Shop also offers visitors an unequalled range of books ranging from Africana and archaeology to geology and fossils. Make your selection from publications on:

  • African rock art
  • San and Khoi studies
  • Archaeology
  • African art
  • African history
  • Peoples of Africa
  • African culture
  • Black consciousness
  • Myths and folklore
  • Politics
  • African rituals
  • Geology
  • Gender issues
  • Human evolution
  • Natural history
  • Natural science
  • African politics
  • Travel
  • Exploration

Books worth a special mention include significant autobiographies, African fiction and poetry, and a work entitled Origins, by Dr Geoffrey Blundell, former curator of Origins Centre. An excellent selection of African books for children is available, as well as DVDs and CDs featuring the haunting music of the San people. Helpful and knowledgeable staff members are on hand to assist with relevant information on pieces, craft groups or books. Items or books that are currently unavailable can also be ordered at the shop.

Corporate gifting

Add a special touch by selecting from a range of corporate gifts – from branded merchandise, to books, DVDs, CDs and handcrafted items – on sale at the Origins Shop.

The Origins Shop is open Monday to Friday from 10H00-17H00, Saturdays and Public Holidays 10H00-16H00, Sundays closed.

Contact the shop by telephone on 011 717 4700/08 or email bookings.origins@wits.ac.za  

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