Precious Chiwara is an archaeologist who was recently named one of HERI’s 2020 #AdvancingWomxn fellows. Joining the institute from Zimbabwe, she brings with her a passion for studying the ancient past that impresses those who know her, including HERI’s Director Dr Robyn Pickering.
“I first met Precious on the North of Kuruman project field season, and I was blown away by her passion for middle stone age archaeology and her dedication to excavating very hard ancient lake deposits,” says Pickering.
The day in question, Pickering encountered Chiwara covered in diatomite, a fine white powder that is the sediment of the lake they were excavating.
“It’s impossible not to be covered in it,” explains Pickering. “At the end of the day, I asked Precious if she was okay, and she replied, ‘I love it!’.”
Chiwara’s passion for researching the ancient past is now being seen in her PhD project, which examines early human social transmission. The research focuses on the Kalahari Basin, specifically Ga-Mohana Hill, and with good reason. She's part of a team drawing attention to the early record of human evolution that extends beyond the coastal regions, where most of the work is done.
“I want to help build a full picture of human evolution,” she says.
1. What excites you most about the palaeosciences?
I’m excited about understanding the development of anatomically modern humans and the sharing of ideas during the Pleistocene period, and I am fascinated with using stone tool technology to understand the development of modernity. My passion is in lithic analysis, stone tool technology and use-wear analysis.
2. Describe your research in three words.
Social transmission MIS 5
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
I am inspired by my supervisor Jayne Wilkins. I just love her passion in lithic studies, which is my passion too.
4. What has been your biggest academic challenge?
My biggest academic challenge was when l was unable to pay my master’s research fees. I had to work and source for funds, but l made it in the end.
5. What is the soundtrack to your studies?
I love country music especially, Don Williams (I love the softness of Don’s voice). I listen to country music while I’m in the lab or writing my thesis.
My favourite album of his is I Believe in You, produced in 1979, and l really love the song l Believe in You. It’s a love song that inspires me to believe that there is someone who believes in me and believes that l can do great things with my studies. As a black woman l can accomplish so much the in palaeosciences.