Heritage Cases

Tobias Cave: We have obtained a radiocarbon date of 1300calAD-1400calAD for one specimen [Wits specimen number TC-3]. Unfortunately, this directly dated sample did not give good DNA. Two of the other specimens (Wits specimen number TC-1 and TC-12) analysed this far came back with workable endogenous levels of ancient DNA. It is unclear whether they belong to the same individual as the dated sample. We thus request permission to sample pieces of 1-2 grams of the cranial vault [TC-1], and the tooth [TC-12]. Plovers Lake: We have obtained low, but workable levels of ancient DNA in two samples [Wits specimen numbers PL12180 and PL14000A], which we hope to improve on. The DNA sequence data has all the characteristics of being old and uncontaminated. However, our preliminary observations indicate that the DNA profiles are more consistent with current African groups from west and east Africa. The deposit was previously dated to > 65 000 years ago. Our preliminary results could indicate either a mixed deposit or completely new population-distribution information. Because the samples were assumed to fall outside of the range of C14 dating we did not directly date them. Due to the potential scientific impact of our ancient DNA results, we now request to directly date the two human specimens and one animal specimen from the site using C14. Young C14 dates will confirm a mixed deposit, but has the potential to indicate the timing and genetic affiliation of African farmers on the Highveld. A date of older than 46 000 years combined with the ancient DNA result will be revolutionary in terms of human history. We therefore apply for sampling approximately 1-2 grams of bone from the two human specimens [Wits specimen number PL12780 and PL14000A] and an animal tooth [Wits specimen number PV14560] for the purpose of C14 dating.