Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria
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Mapungubwe gold rhino on display gold gallery at Mapungubwe Collection. University of Pretoria. © Sian Tiley-Nel (Manager & Chief Curator, University of Pretoria Museums), License![]()
The University has been excavating this Iron age site since 1932 and artifacts made of gold, ivory and other materials including a little gold rhinoceros, a Golden Scepter, a Golden Bowl and human remains have been found. © Sian Tiley-Nel (Manager & Chief Curator, University of Pretoria Museums), License
Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria
The Mapungubwe Museum, located at the University of Pretoria, houses the rich archaeological finds from Mapungubwe, an ancient African kingdom situated in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The museum preserves and displays artifacts from the Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once the center of the largest kingdom in Southern Africa around the 11th century.
The University has been excavating this Iron age site since 1932 and artifacts made of gold, ivory and other materials including a little gold rhinoceros, a Golden Scepter, a Golden Bowl and human remains have been found. This site was added to the World Heritage List in June 2003 and described as the centre of the largest kingdom in the sub-continent before it was abandoned in the 14th century. Today, the Mapungubwe Museum at the University promotes the largest archaeological gold collection on the sub-continent.
This unique archaeological museum was opened in June 2000 and serves for educational, tourism, training, and academic and research purposes. The Museum reflects the cultural significance and diversity of an early African trade kingdom. The Mapungubwe Collection has been highly valued for six decades for its archaeological uniqueness, cultural richness and historical importance. Gold ornaments, ivory, bone, ceramic-ware, clay figurines, trade beads, iron and copper artifacts are on permanent public display.
Key Features of the Mapungubwe Museum:
1. Artifacts from Mapungubwe: The museum showcases significant archaeological finds, including gold, ivory, ceramics, and other materials that reflect the wealth and craftsmanship of the Mapungubwe people. The most famous item in the collection is the golden rhinoceros, a small figurine made of thin sheets of gold, symbolizing the kingdom’s prosperity and advanced society.
2. History and Culture: The museum provides insight into the social, political, and economic life of the ancient kingdom, which traded with other African states and countries as far away as China and India. Exhibits detail the rise and fall of this early African civilization, which is considered one of the earliest complex societies in Southern Africa.
3. Archaeological Significance: Displays include tools, pottery, and burial practices that provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of Mapungubwe. The museum also highlights the advanced technologies used in the excavation and preservation of the site.
4. Educational Focus: As part of the University of Pretoria, the museum also serves as an educational resource for students and researchers studying African history, archaeology, and heritage.
Contact Details for Mapungubwe Museum:
Location: University of Pretoria, Old Arts Building, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: +27 (12) 420 3111 (University of Pretoria switchboard)
Email: museum@up.ac.za
Visiting Information:
Operating Hours: The museum is typically open during university hours, Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:00. It is advisable to contact the museum in advance for tour arrangements or specific inquiries.
Entry Fee: Entry is usually free, but donations are welcome.
The Mapungubwe Museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in African history and archaeology, offering a glimpse into a powerful and influential kingdom that played a vital role in early African trade and society.
Verblyf Naby Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria
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