Gwil’s rant

EDITORIAL Gwil’s rant . . . . .

Chair of the Archaeology and Heritage Group. GWIL OWEN ARPS.

Neanderthal Museum, Mettmann, Germany https://www.neanderthal.de/en/

In our present social circumstances I think it would How ironic that our very old, distant ancestor - be inappropriate for me to pontificate on some whose DNA remains a tiny part of our own genome “important” aspect of our photography. Instead - should be called a “New Man”.

I have in mind a little story from the history of archaeology which may entertain you. To group matters.

Once upon a time in a small town in Germany - actually it was Dusseldorf in the 17th century - there was a school master and preacher called Joachim

Neander; an educated and deeply religious man.

His grandfather had changed the family name,

Neumann (new man), into the Greek derived form,

Neander, as was fashionable at the time. Joachim was an itinerant outdoor preacher of some fame.

His main stomping ground was the small valley of the Dussel seven kilometres or so from his home, and over time the area became synonymous with his name.

Fast forward to the 19th century. Quarrying in the valley exposed the bones of prehistoric humans. When their age and significance were recognised, and a formal name was needed, the choice was obvious. With a neat mixture of Latin, Greek and German (“thal” means valley) “Homo Neanderthalensis” was coined. There is only a faint possibility that we may be able to hold our exhibition as planned. In any case it seems sensible to go ahead with collecting and mounting the prints. At the worst we will be able to go ahead as soon as social circumstances permit. Let me remind you all that the deadline for entries is 1st August. You have had details of size of mounts, and other general requirements. I shall be the general depository to whom you may send your prints. Do email me if you have any questions. Some committee members are happy to be drop off points for their area, if you would prefer to hand over your entry in person. There will be shortly a group email giving details of addresses etc. that are not suitably put into the public domain. Try to have fun. Gwil.