SUMA series - Early Ochre Pathways: Our human journey alongside ochre

Speaker: Dr Tammy Hodgskiss

Sign up: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrf-ugqT4vG9TFZTs4WmWIGdHpagA8UJ9g#/registration

• Abstract 

Ochre and mineral pigments have been used for well over 100 000 years by Homo sapiens. The regular use of ochre coincides with archaeological evidence of important cognitive and behavioral advances in our species, and ochre use has often been seen as evidence for the emergence of the modern human mind. Ancient ochres were processed in many ways, and some of the first art ever made by humans was made by engraving designs onto the surfaces of ochre, with the earliest evidence coming from South Africa. These iron-rich, brightly coloured rocks and pigments are still widely used around the world today. They have many uses, from sunscreen and medicines to beautiful paints, and there is evidence that they were used in various ways in the past too. This talk will take you on an exploration of 100 000 years of ochre collection, applications and research in southern Africa, and consider current interactions, outreach projects and interactive workshops with this versatile raw material.

• Bio

Dr Tammy Hodgskiss (married surname Reynard) is the curator at the Origins Centre museum, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She was born and bred in Johannesburg. Tammy is an archaeologist who researches how humans used ochre in the ancient past – from the very beginnings of our human journey. Tammy is driven by a passion to learn about people, our pasts and our cultural knowledge systems - through cross-disciplinary research, collaboration and honest conversations. As curator she  manages exhibitions, lectures and public programming, and runs interactive ochre workshops involving ochre paint creation and archaeology-inspired painting.

• Contact Info

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Phone number: +27 83 688 3478
Twitter @TammyReynKiss
Instagram @tammyhodgie

Origins Centre Instagram @originscentre_wits
www.researchgate.net/profile/Tammy_Hodgskiss