Karl Gottlieb Mauch (1837-1875)

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Periodical article

Title:	Karl Gottlieb Mauch (1837-1875)
Author:	Burrett, Rob S.
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Heritage of Zimbabwe (ISSN 0556-9605)
Issue:	27
Pages:	74-88
Language:	English
Notes:	ills.
Geographic terms:	South Africa Zimbabwe Southern Africa
Subjects:	travel history ruins mineral exploration biographies (form) History, Archaeology Mauch, Karl Gottlieb, 1837-1875 Zimbabwe--History biography
About person:	Carl Gottlieb Mauch (1837-1875)
Abstract:	Karl Gottlieb Mauch (1837-1875), a German obsessed with African travel, was responsible for bringing to the attention of 19th-century Europe the existence of viable gold deposits in southern Africa and later the ruined structures at Great Zimbabwe. Having left for Africa in 1865, Mauch first developed a keen interest in economic minerals in South Africa's Transvaal. After his discovery of viable gold deposits in the area of what is now Zimbabwe and Botswana in 1867, Mauch had the long sought-for financial resources to start his travels, aiming at the compilation of accurate maps of the African interior. This paper, which derives from an exhibition on Mauch commissioned by the German Embassy in Harare, describes Mauch's journeys between and 1865 and 1872, during which he made useful notes in his diaries and produced invaluable sketches of the site of Great Zimbabwe. His description of general vegetation and specific plant species is also informative. The paper also pays attention to Mauch's complex and difficult character. Bibliogr., ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]