The statue here is of Dr Robert Broom, who discovered the skull in 1947, which came to be known as Mrs. Ples. It is estimated to be between 2.6 and 2.8 million years old.

Cradle of Humankind has been rich in archaeological finds including 2-million-year-old stone tools.

Modern excavation of the caves started in the 1890s. Limestone miners noticed the fossils and brought them to the attention of scientists.