Dr. Eckhard Klenkler

       Curator -  African Prehistory and Culture Collection

Dr. Eckhard Klenkler obtained his PhD in Linguistics in 1981 from the prestigious German University of Freiburg im Breisgau. 

His studies and research involved spending years with tribal Africans such as the Bushman of the Kalahari, the OvaHimba of the northern Namib and the Tuareg of the central Sahara.  Undertaking further studies in archaeology and cultural anthropology, he became acquainted not only with language systems and traditional ways of surviving in harsh environments, but also with the early stages of African civilization.

Dr. Klenkler has spent many  years focused on Saharan prehistory as well as possessing a strong interest in the early human occupation of the southern African desert regions.  He has published several books and articles on topics such as prehistoric Saharan artefacts and the material culture of the OvaHimba and the Kwanyama.  His two pictorial documentary books "Sahara Prahistorische Artefakte" 1 and 2 are considered THE bibles amongst fanciers of Saharan prehistoric artifacts.

Dr. Klenkler has been a contributor to various international exhibitions.  He took part in a number of scientific expeditions in the four African deserts as well as in South America.  He made documentary films on the first ever west-east crossing of the Sahara (IWTSE 75/76 Atlantik-Nil) and on the OvaHimba.  In all, he spent about 16 years in Africa and 4 years in South America. 

At present he is the director of the language center of Karlsruhe University in Germany.  He still appreciates spending time in the world’s deserts, although the more nomadic phases of his life have come to an end.  He is married with two children.