Background
Merwe, Nikolaas Johannes van der was born on August 11, 1940 in Riviersonderend, Republic of South Africa. Came to the United States, 1958. Son of Johannes Abraham and Rachel Maria (Burger) van der Merwe.
Merwe, Nikolaas Johannes van der was born on August 11, 1940 in Riviersonderend, Republic of South Africa. Came to the United States, 1958. Son of Johannes Abraham and Rachel Maria (Burger) van der Merwe.
Bachelor cum laude, Yale University, 1962. Master of Arts, Yale University, 1965. Doctor of Philosophy, Yale University, 1966.
Master of Arts (honorary), Harvard University, 1988. Doctor of Science (honorary), University Port Elizabeth, 1995.
Curatorial assistant Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven, 1962-1964. Research assistant Yale Radiocarbon Laboratory, 1963-1966. Assistant professor anthropology State University of New York, Binghamton, 1966-1969, associate professor, 1969-1974.
Professor archaeology University Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, 1974-1988. Landon Clay professor science archaeology, earth and planetary science Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1988-2001. Professor natural history University Cape Town, Rondebosch, 2000—2006, professor emeritus natural history, since 2007.
Director Center African Studies, University Cape Town, 1976-1980.
("the archaeologist does not always find charcoal in the d...)
Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science, Royal Society South Africa (John F.W. Herschel medal 1994),, American Anthropological Association, Explorers Club, Society Antiquaries (London). Member South African Archaeol. Society (life), Society of America Archaeology, History Metallurgy Group, South African Association Archaeologists (founder), West African Association Archaeology (founder), Society Archaeol.
Science (life), Wildlife Ranching South Africa We. Cape section (chairman), Owl Club (Cape Town), Sigma Xi.
Married Julia Ann Feeny, November 11, 1962 (divorced 1969). 1 child, Kerstin; Married Karen Elaine Bardou, February 19, 1973. 1 child, Nicolina Thandiwe.