Hello, I am new to the site, my name is Jeannie. I am a part-volunteer and part researcher at my local museum (McManus, in Dundee). Although the current museum protocols are to accurately record new donations in great detail, historically this hasn't always been the case and there are some artefacts with no supporting information.
I am hoping someone on the website will be able to help with one such artefact.
It is a part of a rib (large animal) with the names of South African ports carved on it on both sides in Africaan language (I think) , plus 'Johannesburg' and 'St Helena'. The date of September 1901-02 is also carved. At some point it's been snapped - maybe in half, but the other part is missing.
I think 'Johannesburg' may be a ship and have found a couple of references for a steamer of that name visiting South Africa. Does anyone think it could be a carving made by Boer ex-prisoners of war on St Helena? - I have read that they were repatriated to their home towns in 1901-2 and presumably some of that effort would have been by ship.
I've attached photos of both sides of the carved rib. Any suggestions or information would be very welcome.
Kind regards, Jeannie
I am hoping someone on the website will be able to help with one such artefact.
It is a part of a rib (large animal) with the names of South African ports carved on it on both sides in Africaan language (I think) , plus 'Johannesburg' and 'St Helena'. The date of September 1901-02 is also carved. At some point it's been snapped - maybe in half, but the other part is missing.
I think 'Johannesburg' may be a ship and have found a couple of references for a steamer of that name visiting South Africa. Does anyone think it could be a carving made by Boer ex-prisoners of war on St Helena? - I have read that they were repatriated to their home towns in 1901-2 and presumably some of that effort would have been by ship.
I've attached photos of both sides of the carved rib. Any suggestions or information would be very welcome.
Kind regards, Jeannie
