Universities collaborate at Canteen Kopje

the university to encourage them to connect with their own heritage.

“The damage that was inflicted by illegal mining last year was terrible, but what is of even greater concern is the threat posed by mining to the future of this and many other heritage sites.

“The Northern Cape is one of the richest areas on the African continent in terms of early human archaeology, which in itself is a problem as these sites are often found on land that contains valuable mineral resources.

“To this end, we need to look at ways of working with the mining industry to find solutions.”

Programme Head for Heritage Studies for t hSPU’s School of Humanities, Dr Garth Benneyworth, explained that the visit served multiple purposes for the students as it allowed them to gain hands-on archaeological experience and context in their chosen field.

“This is the third year that our Heritage Studies students have collaborated with the University of Toronto and the McGregor Museum on an excavation at Canteen Kopje,” said Benneyworth. “It not only provides them with practical experience, but also affords them an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained from their lectures.

“This visit further gives the students a solid grounding in the practicalities of heritage work, especially for those who wish to pursue a career or further studies in this field.”

The excavation process involves using a grid to record and catalogue the precise location of artefacts that have been left behind by human activity predating “modern” Kimberley.

“Each square on the grid is allocated a reference number,” explained Benneyworth. “Using a total station to survey the area, we are able to mark precisely where every single item was found.

“Among the fascinating arte-