Before Us
Every living person can trace their ancestry back to Africa, where modern humans evolved some 300,000 years ago before expanding out of Africa and around the world. Those early humans lived lives filled with emotions and challenges much like people today and their journeys stand as a testament to human intelligence, ingenuity, creativity, and resilience. But, what does the archaeological record tell us about their lives, their successes, their failures, and who we are today? In this podcast, world-recognized experts in maritime and prehistoric archaeology, Dr. Helen Farr and Dr. Erich Fisher, reveal the people and the world that existed “Before Us.” This season, we take a deep dive into the origins and development of Maritime Adaptations, tracing humanity's journey from the earliest interests in aquatic resources to the global expansion of modern humans via oceans, coastlines, and waterways. As the old saying goes, “smooth seas make boring stories” and this season promises to be an auditory adventure around the world and across millennia as told through captivating interviews with leading scholars in fun and down-to-earth discussions. Tune in weekly for new episodes on your favorite podcast app.
Before Us
Head over heels for aquatic environments
Archaeology tells the story of people, yet identifying individuals in the archaeological record remains notoriously challenging. In this episode, we speak with Rachel Bynoe, Charles Helm, and three Ju/’hoansi master trackers - /ui Kxunta, ≠oma Daqm, and /uce Nǂamce - from Nyae Nyae, Namibia, to explore ichnology—the study of tracks and traces. Together, we uncover evidence of individuals from deep time and gain insights into the landscapes they inhabited.
Key sites discussed:
Nyae Nyae Conservancy, Namibia
Guests:
/ui Kxunta, ≠oma Daqm, and /uce Nǂamce
