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Illustrated London News cover - the Diamond Diggers
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Illustrated London News cover - the Diamond Diggers
Front cover of The Illustrated London News showing two diamond diggers in South Africa, in the valley of the Vaal river, Orange Free State. Accompanied and aided by two native servants, the men sort pebbles that have previously been separated from rubble, examining them thoroughly to find any diamonds that may lie in the heap. The ILN writes, The result is often disappointing, but sometimes the diggers are richly rewarded for their toilsome drudgery by the discovery of a glittering prize. Date: 1872
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Media ID 14307281
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1872 Africans Checking Diamond Diamonds Diggers Digging Finding Free Mining Natives News Pebbles Prospecting Prospectors Servant Servants Sorting Vaal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, taken from the front cover of The Illustrated London News in 1872, showcases the intense and meticulous process of diamond mining in the Valley of the Vaal River, in the Orange Free State of South Africa. Two determined prospectors, accompanied by their African servants, are seen sorting through a mound of pebbles that have been previously separated from the rubble. The men examine each pebble closely, their faces etched with a mixture of hope and disappointment, as they search for the elusive and valuable diamonds hidden within. The diamond rush in South Africa, fueled by the discovery of the Eureka Diamond in 1867, had attracted thousands of prospectors from all corners of the British Empire. The industry was a significant contributor to the economic growth of the region and the British Empire as a whole. The prospectors' toilsome drudgery often yielded disappointing results, but the promise of striking it rich kept them going. The African servants, who are an integral part of the mining process, are shown in the background, sorting through their own pile of pebbles. Their role was essential, as they were responsible for the initial sorting and separation of diamonds from the rubble. The image underscores the interconnectedness of the various communities involved in the diamond mining industry during this period. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the history of diamond mining in South Africa during the 19th century and the lives of those who sought their fortune in the diamond fields. It is a testament to the industry's impact on the region and the British Empire, as well as the hard work and determination of the men and women who made it possible.
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