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Washing gear, Bultfontein diamond mine, South Africa
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Washing gear, Bultfontein diamond mine, South Africa
Washing gear, Bultfontein diamond mine, South Africa, circa 1888 (Robert Harris studio). Date: circa 1888
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Media ID 14357091
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
1888 Diamond Gear Harris Mine Washing
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Washing Gear, Bultfontein Diamond Mine, South Africa," transports us back in time to the late 19th century and the height of the diamond rush in South Africa. Circa 1888, this image was captured by the renowned Robert Harris studio, showcasing the intricate and labor-intensive process of diamond washing at the Bultfontein Mine. The photograph depicts a group of miners, clad in ragged clothing and sun-worn hats, intently focused on their work. They stand shoulder to shoulder around a large, wooden washing trough filled with water, their hands deftly sifting through the murky mixture in search of valuable diamonds. The trough is equipped with a series of riffles, which help to separate the heavier diamonds from the lighter sediment. The scene is set against a backdrop of the arid South African landscape, with the sun casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. The air is thick with dust and the sound of water sloshing against the trough creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic, background noise. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa in the late 1800s marked the beginning of a new era for the country, attracting thousands of prospectors from all corners of the globe in search of their fortune. The Bultfontein Mine, located in the Free State region, was one of the most productive diamond mines in the area, and this photograph offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of the miners and the harsh realities of the diamond mining industry during this time. Despite the challenging conditions, the promise of wealth and opportunity drew men from all walks of life to the diamond fields of South Africa. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of fortune that shaped the history of this remarkable country.
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