ARCHAETNOS CC COMPANY PROFILE
Archaetnos is a Cultural Heritage Resources Consulting Company, aiming at the preservation, promotion and utilization of South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage to the benefit of all South African’s. We believe that cultural heritage is not only part of the past, but also the present and the future.
Archaetnos is a professional and quality-driven company, aiming at achieving the best possible results. The directors are all qualified archaeologists and members of the Association of South African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA). We have strong ties with recognised cultural institutions, including the National Cultural History Museum, and Universities such as the University of Pretoria, WITS University and UNISA. In performing our work, we strictly follow the minimum standards set out by ASAPA, and adhere to the South African Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) as well as the Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989). Both these Acts aim at the protection of cultural resources against disturbance and destruction, and preserving it for future generations. These Acts ensure that surveys and evaluations of cultural resources are undertaken in areas where development, which will change the face of the environment, is to be made. The impacts of such development on the cultural resources should also be determined and proposals to mitigate these impacts are to be formulated.
The members of the company has wide-ranging experience in the field of Cultural Heritage Resources Surveys and Management, and participated in and completed more than 300 such projects in the last 11 years. These projects were done for a variety of clients. Apart from this consulting work, Archaetnos also carries out scientific research and conducts special cultural tours. We also develop and present educational and training programmes on history and archaeology, concentrating on individuals from previously disadvantaged groups. Finally, the company has also been involved in the research for and setting up of exhibitions with an archaeological and historical content. Clients have included the South African National Parks, BHP Billiton, Anglo-Coal, TRAC, SANRAL, various environmental consultants, City Councils, Government Departments, Museums and private developers in the Residential & Hospitality industry.
Archaeology is historical and history has no end.
(Michael Shanks & Christopher Tilley, Reconstructing archaeology 1987:245)
