The Iconic Map Kernow Statue: Map the miner

The Iconic Map Kernow Statue: Map the miner

Towering above the streets of Kapunda, South Australia, stands an imposing figure that has become an iconic landmark and a source of community pride. The Map Kernow Statue (Son of Cornwall), a majestic 8-meter tall monument, dominates the town's skyline and tells the story of Kapunda's rich mining heritage.

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Photography by Tyson M.

A Brief History of the Statue

The Map Kernow Statue was conceived in the 1970s, as part of Kapunda's bicentennial celebrations. The idea was born out of a desire to commemorate the town's Cornish roots and the significant role that Cornish miners had played in its history.

The statue's design was inspired by the traditional Cornish miner's map, which was used to chart the layout of mine shafts and tunnels.

Design and Construction

The Map Kernow Statue was designed and constructed by artist, Ben van Zetten, with help from Lawry Love Grima, in collaboration with the Kapunda Historical Society.

The statue stands at an impressive 8 meters tall, with a base made from local granite and a bronze figure of a Cornish miner perched atop. The miner's map, which serves as the statue's centrepiece, is intricately detailed and features the layout of Kapunda's mine shafts and tunnels.

A Symbol of Community Pride

The Map Kernow Statue has had a profound impact on the community of Kapunda, serving as a source of pride and a symbol of the town's rich history. The statue has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.

Locals take great pride in sharing the statue's story and significance with visitors, highlighting the town's Cornish heritage and the important role that mining played in its development.

The Lasting Legacy of Map the Miner

Map the Miner Statue stands as a lasting tribute to Kapunda's rich history and its people's resilience and determination. This iconic landmark has become a source of community pride and a symbol of the town's identity.

As a testament to the town's Cornish heritage, the statue continues to attract visitors from far and wide, sharing the story of Kapunda's mining past.