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Workers descending, diamond mine, Kimberley
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Workers descending, diamond mine, Kimberley
How the workers go down to the open diamond mine at Kimberley, South Africa.
circa 1900
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23052918
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Descend Descending Descent Diamond Kimberley Manual Mine Mines Mining
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This evocative photograph captures the daily descent of workers into the heart of the open-pit diamond mine at Kimberley, South Africa, around the turn of the 20th century. The image offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of manual labor during the Edwardian era, with men of various races, dressed in simple work clothes and sitting on wooden carts, making their way down the steep, sloping sides of the mine. The carts, pulled by horses or mules, provide the only means of transportation for the laborers as they make their way deeper into the mine, where the valuable diamonds lay hidden within the earth. The scene is one of hard work and determination, as the men brace themselves against the rough terrain and the hot sun beats down upon them. The African workers, who made up a significant portion of the labor force during this period, are seen in the foreground, their faces etched with the exhaustion and grit of a long day's work. The mine, which was the largest diamond mine in the world at the time, was notorious for its harsh conditions and dangerous working environment, with accidents and fatalities a common occurrence. Despite these challenges, the workers continued to toil, driven by the promise of a better life for themselves and their families. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the diamond trade during this period, and the sacrifices that were made in pursuit of the precious gems that fueled the global desire for wealth and status.
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