Dr Precious Chiwara
@drpeechiwara.bsky.social
Postdoctoral Research Fellow @UCT Geology | Archaeologist | Stone tools | Early modern humans | She/Her/Hers
ASAPA 2026 Call for Abstracts is open!
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
November 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
ASAPA 2026 Call for Abstracts is open!
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Ancient tooth proteins reveal the biological sex and genetic diversity of Paranthropus robustus.
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
November 19, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Ancient tooth proteins reveal the biological sex and genetic diversity of Paranthropus robustus.
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Flowstones from the Cradle of Humankind in #SouthAfrica reveal no evidence of intrusion.
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
November 12, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Flowstones from the Cradle of Humankind in #SouthAfrica reveal no evidence of intrusion.
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
🦴 The #TaungChild fossil changed how we understand human origins in #Africa. Its story is shaped by prejudice, rivalry and hidden hands.
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
November 5, 2025 at 8:01 AM
🦴 The #TaungChild fossil changed how we understand human origins in #Africa. Its story is shaped by prejudice, rivalry and hidden hands.
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Science is stronger when every voice is heard. At HERI, diversity drives discovery, challenges assumptions, and creates richer stories of our shared human story.
October 29, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Science is stronger when every voice is heard. At HERI, diversity drives discovery, challenges assumptions, and creates richer stories of our shared human story.
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Applications are open for the 2025 Student Development Workshop (SDW) at Skukuza, Kruger National Park! 🌿🦓
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
October 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Applications are open for the 2025 Student Development Workshop (SDW) at Skukuza, Kruger National Park! 🌿🦓
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Africa’s caves are timekeepers of climate and life. 🌍
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
October 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Africa’s caves are timekeepers of climate and life. 🌍
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
HERI brings #Africa to the heart of #humanevolution research, blending innovation, inclusivity and transformative training. From ancient biomolecules to archaeology, we’re shaping a more ethical and African-centered science.
October 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM
HERI brings #Africa to the heart of #humanevolution research, blending innovation, inclusivity and transformative training. From ancient biomolecules to archaeology, we’re shaping a more ethical and African-centered science.
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
As a primatologist, Jane Goodall was a huge inspiration to me. I admired the way she describes chimpanzee behavior with such detail and empathy, and she’s inspired so many people and advocated for chimpanzee conservation and welfare.
However, I'm dismayed at what her narrative leaves out (1/10)
However, I'm dismayed at what her narrative leaves out (1/10)
October 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM
As a primatologist, Jane Goodall was a huge inspiration to me. I admired the way she describes chimpanzee behavior with such detail and empathy, and she’s inspired so many people and advocated for chimpanzee conservation and welfare.
However, I'm dismayed at what her narrative leaves out (1/10)
However, I'm dismayed at what her narrative leaves out (1/10)
Today I'm giving my 1st seminar @UCTgeology titled "Sourcing Quartzite: Using Geochemistry to Trace Early Human Raw Material Selection Strategies in the Southern Kalahari."
My postdoc research explores where early humans obtained the raw materials they used to make tools.
My postdoc research explores where early humans obtained the raw materials they used to make tools.
October 14, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Today I'm giving my 1st seminar @UCTgeology titled "Sourcing Quartzite: Using Geochemistry to Trace Early Human Raw Material Selection Strategies in the Southern Kalahari."
My postdoc research explores where early humans obtained the raw materials they used to make tools.
My postdoc research explores where early humans obtained the raw materials they used to make tools.
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
The #TaungChild has been silent for over 2 million years — until now.
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
October 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The #TaungChild has been silent for over 2 million years — until now.
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
📍 Sunday morning at #campHERI, camping at the West Coast Fossil Park: Participants took part in a stone tool knapping exercise, engaging with ancient technologies through hands-on learning in an immersive outdoor setting.
September 28, 2025 at 11:45 AM
📍 Sunday morning at #campHERI, camping at the West Coast Fossil Park: Participants took part in a stone tool knapping exercise, engaging with ancient technologies through hands-on learning in an immersive outdoor setting.
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
This sexual harassment workshop, led by our Co-director Rebecca Ackermann, is one of the most important parts of #campHERI.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.
September 27, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This sexual harassment workshop, led by our Co-director Rebecca Ackermann, is one of the most important parts of #campHERI.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
#campHERI is here! Today is the start of our annual camp that gives students from UCT and partner institutions a safe and supportive environment to develop skills, build community & address challenges faced in field-based sciences.
September 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
#campHERI is here! Today is the start of our annual camp that gives students from UCT and partner institutions a safe and supportive environment to develop skills, build community & address challenges faced in field-based sciences.
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
This is what #womeninscience look like!
Our @drpeechiwara.bsky.social is extracting a quartzite block to be geochemically tested. Part of her #postdoc field work, the aim is to pinpoint where raw materials used to make ESA & MSA stone tools in Kalahari of #SouthAfrica were obtained.
Our @drpeechiwara.bsky.social is extracting a quartzite block to be geochemically tested. Part of her #postdoc field work, the aim is to pinpoint where raw materials used to make ESA & MSA stone tools in Kalahari of #SouthAfrica were obtained.
August 20, 2025 at 11:22 AM
This is what #womeninscience look like!
Our @drpeechiwara.bsky.social is extracting a quartzite block to be geochemically tested. Part of her #postdoc field work, the aim is to pinpoint where raw materials used to make ESA & MSA stone tools in Kalahari of #SouthAfrica were obtained.
Our @drpeechiwara.bsky.social is extracting a quartzite block to be geochemically tested. Part of her #postdoc field work, the aim is to pinpoint where raw materials used to make ESA & MSA stone tools in Kalahari of #SouthAfrica were obtained.
Last night, I had the honour of sharing my research at the ColoStone Annual Meeting in Kimberley, hosted by the SA Colorectal Society. Never thought I’d present archaeology to surgeons! Thanks to Prof Paul Goldberg, Head of Surgery at Groote Schuur & UCT, for the invite. #KnowledgeExchange
July 27, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Last night, I had the honour of sharing my research at the ColoStone Annual Meeting in Kimberley, hosted by the SA Colorectal Society. Never thought I’d present archaeology to surgeons! Thanks to Prof Paul Goldberg, Head of Surgery at Groote Schuur & UCT, for the invite. #KnowledgeExchange
Just presented at #WAC10 in the Deep Time Heritage session, sharing my PhD/Postdoc work on MSA in the Kalahari. I highlighted evidence of social ties, innovation, and the region’s central role in human evolution. Next stop: Brisbane to meet up with my sup Jayne after a long time.
June 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Just presented at #WAC10 in the Deep Time Heritage session, sharing my PhD/Postdoc work on MSA in the Kalahari. I highlighted evidence of social ties, innovation, and the region’s central role in human evolution. Next stop: Brisbane to meet up with my sup Jayne after a long time.
Excited to be in 🇦🇺Darwin for the World Archaeological Congress #WAC10! Registered & tagged 🌿 Looking forward to a week of global conversations & I’ll be presenting my PhD & postdoc work in the Kalahari on Tues. Many thanks to GENUS, HERI, ARC Discovery, Ben, Robyn, Jayne, PAST, IFAS & BIOGRIP!
June 22, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Excited to be in 🇦🇺Darwin for the World Archaeological Congress #WAC10! Registered & tagged 🌿 Looking forward to a week of global conversations & I’ll be presenting my PhD & postdoc work in the Kalahari on Tues. Many thanks to GENUS, HERI, ARC Discovery, Ben, Robyn, Jayne, PAST, IFAS & BIOGRIP!
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Seriously important #archaeology paper on notable #kalahari site from #mis5 -- Ga-Mahona, led by an African scholar Precious Chiwara-Maenzanise with Jayne Wilkins
Shared lithic technology shows adaptation to Kalahari Basin's arid climate […]
Shared lithic technology shows adaptation to Kalahari Basin's arid climate […]
Original post on c.im
c.im
April 8, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Seriously important #archaeology paper on notable #kalahari site from #mis5 -- Ga-Mahona, led by an African scholar Precious Chiwara-Maenzanise with Jayne Wilkins
Shared lithic technology shows adaptation to Kalahari Basin's arid climate […]
Shared lithic technology shows adaptation to Kalahari Basin's arid climate […]
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Hello,
Our paper on enamel proteins from Paranthropus robustus has finally been peer reviewed, please have a read here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Paranthropus robustus has been puzzling scientists since its discovery in 1938 in South Africa, where a high number of fossils have been found.
Our paper on enamel proteins from Paranthropus robustus has finally been peer reviewed, please have a read here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Paranthropus robustus has been puzzling scientists since its discovery in 1938 in South Africa, where a high number of fossils have been found.
Enamel proteins reveal biological sex and genetic variability in southern African Paranthropus
Paranthropus robustus is a morphologically well-documented Early Pleistocene hominin species from southern Africa with no genetic evidence reported so far. In this work, we describe the mass spectrome...
doi.org
May 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Hello,
Our paper on enamel proteins from Paranthropus robustus has finally been peer reviewed, please have a read here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Paranthropus robustus has been puzzling scientists since its discovery in 1938 in South Africa, where a high number of fossils have been found.
Our paper on enamel proteins from Paranthropus robustus has finally been peer reviewed, please have a read here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Paranthropus robustus has been puzzling scientists since its discovery in 1938 in South Africa, where a high number of fossils have been found.
I recently shared my PhD journey in a blog with @Research Hive, reflecting on how I navigated the highs and lows of PhD life. You can read it here👉 research-hive.com/2025/04/04/t...
@heriuct.bsky.social
@heriuct.bsky.social
April 4, 2025 at 1:13 PM
I recently shared my PhD journey in a blog with @Research Hive, reflecting on how I navigated the highs and lows of PhD life. You can read it here👉 research-hive.com/2025/04/04/t...
@heriuct.bsky.social
@heriuct.bsky.social
New Publication Alert! 🚀
Excited to share my paper, based on my PhD research, published today in the Journal of Human Evolution! 🎉. 🔗 Link to the article here: 👉 authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S00…
@heriuct.bsky.social
Excited to share my paper, based on my PhD research, published today in the Journal of Human Evolution! 🎉. 🔗 Link to the article here: 👉 authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S00…
@heriuct.bsky.social
March 24, 2025 at 8:59 PM
New Publication Alert! 🚀
Excited to share my paper, based on my PhD research, published today in the Journal of Human Evolution! 🎉. 🔗 Link to the article here: 👉 authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S00…
@heriuct.bsky.social
Excited to share my paper, based on my PhD research, published today in the Journal of Human Evolution! 🎉. 🔗 Link to the article here: 👉 authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S00…
@heriuct.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
Helping produce #Setswana translations for this #Taung Child special issue from
@SAJS_Official
was a very special project for us.
Thanks to all for their support #languagematters
👉🏾https://sajs.co.za/article/view/20667/23562
@SAJS_Official
was a very special project for us.
Thanks to all for their support #languagematters
👉🏾https://sajs.co.za/article/view/20667/23562
February 7, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Helping produce #Setswana translations for this #Taung Child special issue from
@SAJS_Official
was a very special project for us.
Thanks to all for their support #languagematters
👉🏾https://sajs.co.za/article/view/20667/23562
@SAJS_Official
was a very special project for us.
Thanks to all for their support #languagematters
👉🏾https://sajs.co.za/article/view/20667/23562
Reposted by Dr Precious Chiwara
To commemorate the #Taung centenary, a special issue of the SAJS came out today!
We present a collection of articles looking at aspects of the #history, #anatomy, #geology, #community and -#museum curation of the #Taung child in this post colonial era 🙌🏽
Link here 👇🏽👇🏽
sajs.co.za/index
We present a collection of articles looking at aspects of the #history, #anatomy, #geology, #community and -#museum curation of the #Taung child in this post colonial era 🙌🏽
Link here 👇🏽👇🏽
sajs.co.za/index
sajs.co.za
February 7, 2025 at 8:43 AM
To commemorate the #Taung centenary, a special issue of the SAJS came out today!
We present a collection of articles looking at aspects of the #history, #anatomy, #geology, #community and -#museum curation of the #Taung child in this post colonial era 🙌🏽
Link here 👇🏽👇🏽
sajs.co.za/index
We present a collection of articles looking at aspects of the #history, #anatomy, #geology, #community and -#museum curation of the #Taung child in this post colonial era 🙌🏽
Link here 👇🏽👇🏽
sajs.co.za/index