Taung and beyond: The mining history, geology and taphonomy of Australopithecus in South Africa DOI Creative Commons
Rieneke Weij, Stephanie E. Baker, Tara R. Edwards

и другие.

South African Journal of Science, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 121(1/2)

Опубликована: Фев. 5, 2025

South Africa is host to the single richest early hominin fossil record worldwide, including many examples of endemic species Australopithecus africanus fossils. This was first described by Raymond Dart in 1925 from deposits near town Taung. Later, more fossils, different and genera, were found caves Sterkfontein Makapan Valleys. To understand this rich diverse record, we must how landscape formed (cave formation processes) changed (mining), when happened (geochronology), fossils accumulated modified (taphonomy). Here provide a review these themes mark centenary Taung Child discovery. We moment our field critically reflecting on role extractive practices, especially centred around past mining Caves exclusion members research teams. The African Fossil Hominid sites unique opportunity expand understanding intersection between human evolution changing environmental conditions, as karstic remnant cave systems preserve both sedimentary archives change. offer perspective future areas: standardised excavation practices techniques raise quality data collected new date extract palaeoclimate themselves, novel insights into world australopiths.

Язык: Английский

100 Years of palaeo-research and its relevance for transformation and social cohesion in South Africa DOI Creative Commons
Dipuo Kgotleng, Stella Basinyi, Wendy Black

и другие.

South African Journal of Science, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 121(1/2)

Опубликована: Фев. 5, 2025

Australian-born Raymond Dart arrived in South Africa 1922 and subsequently gave the name Australopithecus africanus to fossilised juvenile skull discovered by mine workers Taung, North West Province. After this discovery, its announcement 1925, discipline of palaeoanthropology grew exponentially on continent. This centennial milestone necessitates reflection role science society, with a critical look at relationship between palaeosciences, theories human evolution, researcher’s interaction southern African Indigenous peoples. Here we examine palaeoanthropological scientific practice suggest ways decolonise science, narratives, future. To achieve meaningful transformation social cohesiveness, discuss measures counter wrongs past through socially responsive practices such as equitable funding schemes, collaboration, doing away ‘helicopter research’.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

2
Taung and beyond: The mining history, geology and taphonomy of Australopithecus in South Africa DOI Creative Commons
Rieneke Weij, Stephanie E. Baker, Tara R. Edwards

и другие.

South African Journal of Science, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 121(1/2)

Опубликована: Фев. 5, 2025

South Africa is host to the single richest early hominin fossil record worldwide, including many examples of endemic species Australopithecus africanus fossils. This was first described by Raymond Dart in 1925 from deposits near town Taung. Later, more fossils, different and genera, were found caves Sterkfontein Makapan Valleys. To understand this rich diverse record, we must how landscape formed (cave formation processes) changed (mining), when happened (geochronology), fossils accumulated modified (taphonomy). Here provide a review these themes mark centenary Taung Child discovery. We moment our field critically reflecting on role extractive practices, especially centred around past mining Caves exclusion members research teams. The African Fossil Hominid sites unique opportunity expand understanding intersection between human evolution changing environmental conditions, as karstic remnant cave systems preserve both sedimentary archives change. offer perspective future areas: standardised excavation practices techniques raise quality data collected new date extract palaeoclimate themselves, novel insights into world australopiths.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0