Heritage Cases

The Anglo-Boer War took place between 1899 and 1902 in South Africa, and was fought between Great Britain and the two Boer republics, Transvaal (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) and the Orange Free State (Pretorius 1999: 247). Steinaecker's Horse was a volunteer military unit that fought on the side of the British. They operated mainly in the Lowveld and Swaziland (Pienaar 1990: 343). The Anglo-Boer War is deemed one of the most important events in the history of South Africa and is studied by scholars from many countries. The proposed research is therefore of universal importance. However, research on the war has mainly been done by historians. Another aspect of the Anglo Boer War that has not received much attention, is the role played by black people. A few historians e.g. Warwick (1983) made such a study, but this was never before done by archaeologists. The current archaeological research for instance indicated that many black soldiers and local people joined Steinaecker’s Horse at their different outposts. In some cases a clear social differentiation is evident, but at others this is not the case (see Van Vollenhoven et.al.1998a; Van Vollenhoven et.al. 1998b; Van Vollenhoven et.al. 2001; Van Vollenhoven et.al. 2003; Van Vollenhoven et.al. 2006; Van Vollenhoven et.al 2007; Van Vollenhoven et.al. 2008; Van Vollenhoven 2010). The explanation of these aspects together with others such as the organisation and site layout is important in understanding the way of life and circumstances of this unit. It will also serve as model for similar studies on other sites from this period. The proposed archaeological research is a continuation of a current research project and aimed at elucidating this part of history. Up to now not much research has been done on Steinaecker’s Horse. The only published information that could be obtained was from popular publications such as Diespecker (1996) who focussed on one specific aspect such as the origin of the name of the unit. The only sources that gave more detail on the unit are those of Pienaar (1990), Stevenson-Hamilton (1952), Woolmore (2006) and Wolhuter (1971), but as these are popular sources the information is not always scientifically sound. Although useful it is clear that a more scientific approach is needed and that archaeological research will bring new perspectives as was already shown by the current project on Steinaecker’s Horse. Archaeological research is the only way to determine the way of life and circumstances of Steinaecker’s Horse. In this way it will be possible to write a comprehensive and representative history of the unit. The research done up to now by Archaetnos only focussed on four sites associated with Steinaecker’s Horse, being the outposts at Letaba, Sabi Bridge (Skukuza), Gaza Gray and Ngotso Mouth (Balule). This research was supplemented by studying archival material in the South African National Archives, the SanParks Archives and the British National Archives. Although much was learned from the mentioned excavations, a comprehensive history can only be possible if more of the Steinaecker’s Horse sites are investigated. The research has indicated the location of more of the sites associated with the unit. Some of these were physically located, but need to be confirmed as Steinaecker’s Horse sites by means of archaeological excavations. This will also contribute to the contextualisation of existing information. The above mentioned is studied from the material remains (cultural artefacts) excavated on these sites. The location of these sites, all against slopes close to rivers, however means that the cultural material is being washed away. At the Letaba site it was calculated that as much as 24 cm op topsoil was washed away within a 5 year period. With this numerous artefacts were lost. It is therefore of utmost importance that archaeological work continues in order to salvage as much as possible of these heritage objects and use it to write the history. Furthermore the correct identification and interpretation of more sites associated with Steinaecker’s Horse will be a valuable contribution to the heritage of the Kruger National Park and will increase research and tourism opportunities, especially in the field of cultural heritage management. This is in line with international trends as the management of cultural heritage resources and remains is of world importance (Renfrew & Bahn 1991: 471-473). Since 1992 this also became practice in South Africa (Deacon 1996: 841). The Steinaecker’s Horse research project will therefore also place the Kruger National Park at the forefront of international heritage management. The National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999) also places emphasis on the preservation and management of heritage sites such as these. The proposed research will give recommendations for the sustainable management and protection of the mentioned sites and will be in line with widely accepted principles for cultural heritage management as explained by Van Vollenhoven (2000). Lastly, the importance of Steinaecker's Horse in the history of the Lowveld should not be underestimated. The important role they played, although indirectly, in the establishment of the Kruger National Park is perhaps not well known. Some former members of the unit later on became rangers in the park and used their knowledge of the area, gained during the War to their, and ultimately, the Park’s advantage. The second in command of the unit, Major A Greenhill-Gardyne, drafted a document concerning the conservation of the wild life in the area, which was used by Major Stevenson-Hamilton as a guide when he started working in the park. It is also indicated that many of the local people who associated with them, later on became game watchers due to the knowledge they gained whilst working with Steinaecker’s Horse. 6 Objectives & Key Questions 6.1 Main aim: To make use of archaeological methods, supplemented by other historical sources, to write a comprehensive and representative history of the Steinaecker’s Horse unit in the Lowveld in order to preserve and conserve this part of history. 6.2 Objectives: • To corroborate the legitimacy of different sites currently documented in the historical literature as being associated with Steinaecker’s Horse • To obtain additional background information on the Steinaecker's Horse unit by using archival and other historical sources • To determine the geographical extent and influence of the activities of Steinaecker’s Horse in the Kruger National Park • To obtain information on the participation and role of black people on the sites especially in connection with their lifestyle and their position regarding the Anglo-Boer War as a whole, including the social differentiation between the different units and people at Steinaecker’s Horse sites • To recommend preservation and management measures for the different sites • To identify research questions, gaps and opportunities relating to the different sites • To make recommendations for cultural tourism opportunities and the management of the different sites 6.3 Key questions: • Does the archaeological data from different sites (Gaza Gray, Ngotso Mouth, Gomondwane and Sanderson’s’ internment camp) support the historical information that these are associated with Steinaecker’s Horse? • Does the collection of archival and other historical information relating to the Steinaecker's Horse unit add to the comprehensive and representative writing of the history of Steinaecker’s Horse? • Is it possible to identify additional sites used by Steinaecker’s Horse by using archaeological and historical sources and thereby assist in determining the geographical extent and influence of the activities of the unit in the Kruger National Park? • Does the comparison of excavated material from each particular site as well as from the different sites with each other, assist in obtaining information on the participation and role of black people on these sites, especially in relation to their lifestyle and their position regarding the Anglo-Boer War as a whole, including the social differentiation between the different units and people at Steinaecker’s Horse sites? • Can the study of each site add to the monitoring of erosion and site degradation in order to be able to recommend preservation and heritage management measures? • Will the research assist in identifying further research questions, gaps and opportunities relating to the different sites? • To what extent can the assessment of the sites, regarding location, accessibility and extent of cultural material and features be used to recommend opportunities for cultural tourism and the management of thereof? 7 Work Procedure Research material and methods: • Archival research Archival research into relevant data in the South African National archives and British National archives will be conducted and will continue in order to obtain more background information on the Steinaecker’s Horse military unit. This is used to determine the number and locations (more or less) of the different sites as well as to obtain background information on the Steinaecker’s Horse unit. • Historical (literature and oral) research A vast variety of sources will be consulted with the aim of obtaining information on the Steinaecker’s Horse unit. This includes historical literature relating to the different artefacts excavated in order to make an accurate identification thereof. This would place it within a chronological context that can be utilised to link it to Steinaecker’s Horse. • Archaeological survey A field survey will be done in order to physically locate the sites not yet found and to add them to the list of confirmed sites. These sites were identified during the archival and literature research. These will be documented with the aim of determining future research potential, the degradation thereof and for heritage management purposes. This will be done after more research have been done on these sites, in order to obtain more information with regard to their location. After finding the sites it will be incorporated in the project design for archaeological research and prioritized with the rest of the sites. • Archaeological excavation Excavations will be done at the sites with the aim of retrieving archaeological material. The amount that will be removed shall be determined by the depth of the archaeological deposit. The aim is to conduct about 4-6 excavations per year, depending on the time available due to natural factors such as rain and also from what can be determined from the first few excavations. Smaller sites will probably not be excavated to the same extent as larger ones. A permit for excavating will be obtained from the South African Heritage Resources Agency. In accordance with the permit, the appropriate archaeological methods of data gathering and recording will be used. This includes surveying the sites, drawing maps and plans, taking photographs and documenting. Based on the assessment of the sites, which is in accordance with the historical importance thereof, as stated under article 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999), it is proposed that archaeological research continue on the following sites mentioned above. The aim of such archaeological research will be to obtain information to be used as a comparison with the sites that have been investigated by archaeological means during the current project. This will enable the researchers to write a comprehensive history of Steinaecker’s Horse. Through excavation it will be possible to identify artefacts of the time period (roughly 1885-1910) and specifically to identify military objects, such as uniform buttons, ammunition and household objects known to have been used by the British army. Artefacts used by indigenous people will also be identified and will therefore assist in determining the influence these people had. As such it will be used to determine the role the different people played on each site and as a whole within the Steinaecker’s Horse unit and Anglo-Boer War. • Collection and preservation Collection of material remains will be done during the process of excavating the sites. Due to the indications of the sites being washed away at a rapid pace this is necessary in order to prevent the permanent loss of cultural material. The objects will be packed with care and handled as fragile. Archaetnos will handle the issuing of the necessary permits in this regard in collaboration with the South African Heritage Resources Agency. The material will, according to the standard of archaeological curation which is controlled by the South African Heritage Resources Agency, be kept preserved and curated by an approved cultural institution (the Ditsong Museum of Culture). This is in accordance with the National Heritage Resources act (25 of 1999), as the material must be curated by an institution accredited for this purpose because of its professionally trained staff and suitable storage facilities. The material will however be made available to the South African National Parks once they comply with these standards. It could in the meantime also be made available to them for display and study purposes, if requested. It should be mentioned that a display on the history and archaeology of Steinaecker’s Horse, which includes material excavated at the Northern outpost, was put up at the Makhadzi picnic spot by Archaetnos, therefore already giving something of the heritage back to its origin. Other such displays or the development of some of the sites with the regards to cultural tourism will also be informed by the research. • Documentation Documentation of these sites will be done according to standardised archaeological methodology. This will include location on 1:50 000 maps, taking GPS co-ordinates and photographing and describing the sites, features associated therewith and excavations. This will assist in plotting the sites in order to determine the geographical extent of the unit. As well as assist in the management thereof. • Analysis and interpretation The excavated material from each individual site will be analysed and interpreted with the help of specialists. Thereafter it will be compared with the material from other sites in order to highlight differences and similarities. The sites will also be compared with each other and interpreted with the help of specialists. This will help in answering the indicated research questions and therefore to write a comprehensive and representative history of Steinaecker’s Horse and its role during the Anglo-Boer War, including the role played by black participants in the War, will be written. The writing of a different report after the completion of each year’s research will be the starting point for explanation and interpretation of the individual sites. However, a final explanation and interpretation will be given once the comprehensive history of this unit is written after completion of the project.