Christopher Stuart Henshilwood

Christopher Stuart Henshilwood is a Professor and Director of the SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE) at the University of Bergen. His work focuses on early Homo sapiens behavior in Africa, particularly during the Middle Stone Age (100,000–50,000 years ago). He leads interdisciplinary research integrating archaeology, climate science, and cognitive studies to explore the origins of modern human behavior, including symbolic culture, technological innovation, and environmental adaptation. Key sites include Blombos Cave and Klipdrift Shelter in South Africa, where discoveries like ochre engravings and pressure-flaked tools have redefined understanding of human cognitive evolution.

His research highlights the southern Cape as a critical region for early human innovation, with studies on ochre processing, shell beads, and engraved ostrich eggshells. Outreach includes international exhibitions (e.g., 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour') and educational programs, such as simulated excavations at the University Museum of Bergen. Awards include top citations in Social Sciences and recognition for transformative contributions to human origins research.