Take a tour through history at the University of the Witwatersrand's Origins Centre, opened by President Thabo Mbeki. The culture of the San features prominently in the exploration of the evolution of humans through rock art, sacred dances and ancient tools.

Opening the Origins Centre at Wits University: the university's vice-chancellor Loyiso Nongxa, President Thabo Mbeki, and Francis Gerard, the centre's project director

AS guests strolled through the intricately lit hallways and corridors of the Origins Centre, they gasped in wonder at the beauty of the art adorning the walls of the rock art museum at the University of the Witwatersrand.

They were attending the official opening by President Thabo Mbeki of the world's only museum dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind. Also present at the occasion, on Tuesday, 7 March, was Minister of Education Naledi Pandor and the vice-chancellor and principal of the university, Loyiso Nongxa.

Mbeki's idea, the R40-million museum is housed in two adjacent buildings at the Wedge complex that forms part of the Wits campus. Ultimately, the Origins Centre will comprise two museums, of which the second will open in a "few years' time", according to Nongxa.

President Thabo Mbeki is presented with a memento from the Origins Centre

Mbeki said the centre was an outstanding example of a unique and stunning museum successfully created by a public-private partnership. The opening of the centre was "timely", following so closely the inauguration of the Southern African Large Telescope, in the Northern Cape, and the Cradle of Humankind Maropeng Visitor's Centre, in Mogale City.

"These are very important centres because they practically help to link the evolution of humanity to the creative genius of our ancestors as represented by this centre."

Rock Art Exhibition at the Origins Centre

Rock Art

The first phase of the museum showcases the origins of humankind as well as an extensive collection of rock art from the Wits Art Research Institute. Many of the diverse exhibits bring to life the heritage of the San, whose DNA contains the earliest genetic print, linking this hunter-gatherer to the Homo sapiens who lived 160nbsp;000 years ago. 

For the first time in South Africa, archaeology had been brought to people to appreciate and no longer would people regard rock art as "crude", Mbeki said.

The exhibits at the centre are displayed in such a manner that visitors are given the opportunity to interact with the complex and rich San culture as displayed in rock art, the group's belief systems and dances, including the intensely spiritual Great Dance.

Also housed at the Origins Centre is a vast array of palaeoanthropological, archaeological and genetic materials regarding the origins of humankind. There are displays of tools made by early man that show how they were made, as well as their spiritual significance. There are also breathtaking exhibits of rock art, accompanied by narratives to help visitors understand the painted images.

The journey, which takes visitors back thousands of years, is made possible by several technologically advanced features, such as personalised audio devices that deliver an audio guide to the museum's exhibits in a choice of six languages.

There are also touch screens in display areas that give the visitor access to additional information in their preferred language. E-mail facilities at the touch screens allow visitors to select files from the information available and to e-mail them to themselves or other people.

According to the Origins Centre curator, Geoff Blundell, this advanced technology provides amazing media for communicating information in ways that ensure a personal and memorable experience.

"We have tried to stimulate the senses of our visitors through the use of light and sound in the exhibits and by harnessing the power of technology. The end result is phenomenal: thanks to technology, our visitors truly get a sense of returning to the roots of all humankind."

The final exhibit at the centre focuses on how genetic testing can contribute to understanding our ancestry. There is a facility for visitors to buy an "ancestry test" from which they can learn more about some of their ancestral lineages. They can also have their information included in the ever-expanding world database.

The second phase of the museum will focus on the fossil wealth of South Africa and the contribution fossils have made to understanding the development of life on earth. Displays will centre on the country's four billion-year-old fossil record and will include the oldest evidence of life.

It offers a range of learning adventures for school children: from Tuesday to Friday, a virtual archaeology student called Thandi leads children through their visit to the museum. Playing her computer game throughout the narrative, they seek clues to solve the mystery of the meaning of rock art and the beginnings of life.

On Saturdays and Sundays, young children can explore the story of southern African rock art in the education studio, where they hear and perform ancient stories through dancing and playing with their projected shadows.

There is a coffee shop at the centre, Café Fino, as well as theatre and lecture facilities and a museum shop called Origins Store for souvenirs.

In closing, Mbeki congratulated everyone who ensured that "this magnificent gift to the nation and the world came to fruition".

"We salute all of you who have captured within this time capsule, the Origins Centre, the measureless and the immeasurable. The centre is a tribute to all of you – the archaeologists, representatives of indigenous communities, architects, the landscape gardeners, the filmmakers, designers, conservators, educators, renowned artists and museum specialists and staff."