Unburied S2E3: The Dark Side of Dart

Behind one of science’s greatest breakthroughs lies a darker story of skulls measured, bodies taken, and lives diminished in the name of science. The discovery of the Taung Child helped prove humanity’s African origins, yet it unfolded within a world built on racism, colonial power, and exploitation. From Mapungubwe’s golden treasures to Johannesburg’s mining compounds, we trace how Dart’s legacy entwined brilliance with harm: collecting human remains like specimens, his efforts to claim the body of a young San woman named Kiri-Kiri, and reinforcing systems that dehumanised the people he studied.

This episode was produced in partnership with The Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI) and the University of Cape Town.

This series draws on original research published in the South African Journal of Science special issue, “The Taung Child then and now: Commemorating its centenary in a postcolonial age.”

Special thanks to our guests in this episode:

• Prof. Rebecca Ackermann, PhD — Biological anthropologist, University of Cape Town; Co-Director, Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI)
• Dr. Lauren Schroeder, PhD — Paleoanthropologist; University of Toronto
• Dr. Mirriam Tawane, PhD — Curator of Plio-Pleistocene Palaeontology, DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History (Pretoria).
• Christa Kuljian — Research associate; WiSER (WITS)
• Nashada Ndango - Guide; San Heritage Center !Khwa ttu

Resources & Links

ARC: arcdocs.org

HERI: https://www.heriuct.co.za

SAJS Special Issue: https://sajs.co.za/article/view/20667

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Unburied is a production by ARC in partnership with the University of Cape Town and the Human Evolution Research Institute. Written, produced, and sound designed by Rasmus Bitsch and Neil Liddell. Hosted by Rasmus Bitsch, journalist and podcast creator.

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