ABSTRACT

Mining operations in Africa have played a considerable role in the reconstruction of human evolution. These contributions would not have been possible without co-operation between the mining industry, archaeology and palaeontology. However, closer scrutiny of their initially fortuitous relationship reveals limitations and fundamental differences in approach. A compelling case study is that of palaeontologist and archaeologist Gudrun Corvinus, employed by Consolidated Diamond Mines in the Sperrgebiet region of Namibia between 1976 and 1980. Corvinus wrote numerous internal mine reports and scientific publications, but also left behind an exhaustive body of private records along with palaeontological and archaeological museum collections. By contrasting this legacy, this paper presents a rich narrative of her attempt to reconcile the fulfilment of her contract requirements with her scientific principles. It sketches a progressively conflict-laden relationship between her and the profit-centred management of a multi-national company. The scientific legacy of Gudrun Corvinus and the historiographical facts and ramifications of this loss of co-operation are discussed in terms of cultural heritage, scientific knowledge and dissemination. Assessing her fight in the naturally and culturally rich environment of the Sperrgebiet, the paper concludes by considering the threat that mining poses to Pleistocene heritage sites in Namibia.

摘要

非洲的采矿作业在重建人类进化过程中发挥了重要作用。如果没有采矿业、考古学和古生物学之间的合作，这些贡献是不可能实现的。然而，对他们最初偶然的关系进行更仔细的审查揭示了方法的局限性和根本差异。一个引人注目的案例研究是古生物学家和考古学家 Gudrun Corvinus，1976 年至 1980 年间受雇于纳米比亚 Sperrgebiet 地区的 Consolidated Diamond Mines。Corvinus 撰写了许多内部矿山报告和科学出版物，但也留下了详尽的私人记录。拥有古生物学和考古博物馆藏品。通过对比这一遗产，这篇论文详细叙述了她试图将履行合同要求与她的科学原则相协调的尝试。它描绘了她与一家跨国公司以利润为中心的管理层之间逐渐充满冲突的关系。Gudrun Corvinus 的科学遗产以及这种合作丧失的历史事实和后果在文化遗产、科学知识和传播方面进行了讨论。该论文评估了她在 Sperrgebiet 自然和文化丰富的环境中的战斗，最后考虑了采矿对纳米比亚更新世遗址的威胁。Gudrun Corvinus 的科学遗产以及这种合作丧失的历史事实和后果在文化遗产、科学知识和传播方面进行了讨论。该论文评估了她在 Sperrgebiet 自然和文化丰富的环境中的战斗，最后考虑了采矿对纳米比亚更新世遗址的威胁。Gudrun Corvinus 的科学遗产以及这种合作丧失的历史事实和后果在文化遗产、科学知识和传播方面进行了讨论。该论文评估了她在 Sperrgebiet 自然和文化丰富的环境中的战斗，最后考虑了采矿对纳米比亚更新世遗址的威胁。