Mapungubwe Archaeological Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/21577

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 66

The Dating of the gold graves from Mapungubwe Hill
(Journal of African Archaeology, 2009) Woodbourne, S.; Pienaar, M.; Tiley-Nel, Sian Lisa
This paper presents direct dating evidence for the manufacture of some of the gold artefacts from the Iron Age archaeological site of Mapungubwe Hill (South Africa). The results confirm that the artefacts are contemporaneous with the occupation of the site and are the product of a mature indigenous metalworking tradition. The Mapungubwe Hill gold artefacts were manufactured at a time when a substantial reorganisation of society led to the separation of royals and commoners and a change in the role of cattle as a form of wealth. These changes are clearly manifest in the use of gold. Whereas gold had previously been traded with the East coast, it became symbolic of power, wealth and status at Mapungubwe Hill.
Sermons in Stones, Poetry in Potsherd s: the history of the Mapungubwe collection at the University of Pretoria
(Chris Van Rensburg Publishing PTY (Ltd), 2011) sian.tiley@up.ac.za; Tiley-Nel, Sian Lisa
The history of the Mapungubwe archaeological collection is fragmentary and complicated, beginning with the unpublished archival sources, where valuable information is hidden in the depths of hundreds of historical documents. After excavating the archive by sifting, sorting and gathering the threads of primary evidence, some light can now be shed on the history of the collection and its management within the University of Pretoria.
Conservation of the Mapungubwe gold collection
(Routledge, 2013-03) Botha, Hazel; sian.tiley@up.ac.za; Tiley-Nel, Sian Lisa
The basic objective of this article is to elucidate the conservation of the African Iron Age Mapungubwe gold collection from South Africa which is curated by the University of Pretoria. This nationally significant collection of gold artefacts has been researched since the 1930s, but active conservation began only in 1999 to ensure its long-term preservation. The focus of this article is mainly on the stabilization of the entire gold collection, which involved efforts to arrest fragmentation, re-unite dissociated fragments and bring about considerable improvements to the collection. Work included creating sufficient support to enable the safe handling and packaging of objects in order to ensure research could be undertaken without further damage to the objects. The gold collection has been consistently researched for many decades, during which time significant amounts of materials analyses and other research data have accumulated. During a preliminary study of the collection in 1999 by conservators from the British Museum, suggestions were made for future conservation and since then, efforts by the Mapungubwe Museum have resulted in the formation of strategic partnerships, garnered support and funding to initiate a gold conservation programme. With funding secured in 2007, conservation was undertaken at the South African Institute for Objects Conservation in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The conservation programme concluded with public lectures, media interest and an exhibition The Gold Treasures of Mapungubwe in November 2009, which attracted interest world-wide. This article will focus on the conservation programme
The Mapungubwe gold graves revisited
(South African Archaeological Society, 2007) msteyn@medic.up.ac.za; Steyn, Maryna
The Mapungubwe graves were discovered and excavated in the 1930s. Owing to a number of factors, very little information on these graves is available today. In this paper we present and discuss information found in the archives relating to the three gold burials. It is possible that some other graves were also associated with gold. The circumstances under which these graves were excavated are highlighted and previously unpublished photographs are included. It is proposed that at least one of the burials, namely the 'Gold Grave', was a secondary burial, similar to that of the Thulamela male burial. This is based on the arrangement of the bones as well as the positioning of the gold objects found with the grave. The skeletons are destined for reburial.
The Kouga mummified human remains
(South African Archaeological Society, 2007) Binneman, Johan; Loots, Marius; msteyn@medic.up.ac.za; Steyn, Maryna
This paper reports and discusses the morphological analysis of the mummified human remains found during 1999 in a rock shelter in the Kouga Mountains near Joubertina, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The upper part of the body was covered with Boophane distica leaves, a medicinal plant still widely used by indigenous peoples in southern Africa. The plant is known for its antiseptic qualities and probably contributed to the excellent preservation of the body. The remains are those of a male, about 30-40 years of age. He was about 135-145 cm tall. No clear abnormalities could be seen from gross morphological investigation, but X-rays revealed a healed amputation of the distal part of the fifth finger of the left hand, as well as a fracture of the pelvis. This fracture most probably occured as a result of the excavation and/or transport of the remains. Some unusual dental characteristics were observed. Radiocarbon dating indicated an age of about 2000 BP.
In memorium. Professor Hannes Eloff 1918-2007
(South African Archaeological Bulletin, 2007-12) Meyer, Andrie; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
In Memorium of Professor Hannes Eloff,1918-2007 Founder of Archaeology at the University of Pretoria, an obituary written by Professor Andrie Meyer a former Head of the Department of Archaeology and student.`These stone walls, potsherds and other relics from the past that are now lying so quietly before us are the remains of a once living and thriving community with a respected king or queen, now long gone and forgotten; people to be understood and appreciated and their heritage to be cherished and preserved by us who came later’. This is the message with which Prof. Hannes Eloff used to introduce his students to the ancient settlement of Mapungubwe. Locked up in these words of wisdom is a lifetime of passion, experience and study that originated in his childhood, and that in time guided many a student at the University of Pretoria towards a career in archaeological research and cultural heritage conservation.
A Raman spectroscopic study of the Mapungubwe oblates: glass trade beads excavated at an Iron Age archaeological site in South Africa
(Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 2007-10-09) Colomban, Philippe; Gratuze, B.; Dussubieux, L.; linda.prinsloo@up.ac.za; Carr, Alan; Prinsloo, Linda Charlotta
Oblate seed beads excavated on Mapungubwe hill, an Iron Age site in South Africa, were analyzed using raman microscopy and supportive techniques to determine the glass technology and pigments used to produce the beads. Corrosion of the black beads was also investigated and an organic phase detected on the beads, which might influence the corrosion process. This detailed profile of the glass technology used to produce the Mapungubwe oblates might eventually help to determine their provenance.
Clay figurines from K2
(University of Pretoria, 2006-11-23) Hutten, Louisa; Loots, Marius; louisa.hutten@uct.ac.za; University of Pretoria. Dept. of Anatomy; Steyn, Maryna; Nienaber, Willem C.
K2 is an Iron Age site approximately 1 km from Mapungubwe in South Africa. Archaeological excavations were conducted here between 1995 and 1999, intending to differentiate between stock enclosure, midden and living area and also to find human skeletal remains. An attempt was also made to determine changes in fauna and ceramics in terms of time and horizontal distribution. Human skeletal remains, potsherds, beads, animal bones, iron fragments and several clay figurine fragments were found. This research poster examines the human and animal clay figurines found at these Iron Age sites
Calcite bead manufacture and use at Mapungubwe
(University of Pretoria, 2006-08-14) Linden, J.; natalie.keough@up.ac.za; University of Pretoria. Dept. of Anatomy; Natal Museum (Pietermaritzburg); Keough, Natalie; Nienaber, Willem C.
A poster on the un-worked and semi-worked pieces of calcite crystals collected at Mapungubwe during the 2003 (or Phase III) Mapungubwe Stabilization Project.
Interpretation of ante-mortem stature estimates in South Africans
(Elsevier, 2007-09) Smith, J.R.; msteyn@medic.up.ac.za; Steyn, Maryna
When human skeletal remains of unknown individuals are analysed, the estimation of ante-mortem stature forms a key part of the report. However, for many people it may be difficult to judge the height of their missing relative in metric values. In this paper, we report on the statures of 2052 black, 483 coloured and 880 white South Africans of both sexes, measured during the last few years. It is shown that the statures of whites are significantly higher than those of the other two groups. The statures of the black and coloured groups are similar. It is proposed that the stature estimates provided in forensic reports are interpreted as tall, medium or short, based on whether they fall in the upper 25%, middle 50% or lower 25% of the distribution for the specific population.
Stone Walls on the Southern Terrace, Mapungubwe
(Pretoria: University of Pretoria, 1998) Unknown; Meyer, Andrie; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
A view of Excavation JS 2(b) on the Southern Terrace viewed from the south in 1934
Employment of archaeologists at Greefswald
(2007-01-10T09:31:09Z) Young, R.B.; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
Young writes to Fouche with suggestions re appointment of suitably trained archaeologist to work at Mapungubwe
Discovery of Mapungubwe
(2007-01-10T09:30:45Z) University of Pretoria; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
University of Pretoria authorizes Fouche on its behalf to negotiate with the discoverers of Mapungubwe (Van Graan et al)with regard to remuneration for reporting the discovery
Gold - analysis
(2007-01-10T09:30:20Z) Stanley, G.H.; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
Report by G.H. Stanley on Mapungubwe metals (mainly gold) sent to him
Purchase of Greefswald
(2007-01-10T09:29:54Z) Accountant, University of Pretoria; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
Advance to Fouche to cover travelling expenses for his visit to Collins to negotiate purchasing of Greefswald
Purchase of Greefswald
(2007-01-10T09:29:19Z) UP legal representatives; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
Draft agreement between the University of Pretoria and Mr E.E. Collins re the purchasing of Greefswald
Purchase of Greefswald
(2007-01-10T09:28:32Z) Fouche, Leo; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
Prof. Fouche writes to the Rector of the University of Pretoria to clarify various matters before leaving to negotiate the purchasing of Greefswald on the University's behalf
Archaeologists employed at Mapungubwe - choosing suitable persons
(2007-01-10T09:28:07Z) Du Toit, A.H.; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
The Rector of the University of Pretoria writes to Prof. Fouche requesting him to find a suitably trained archaeologist to work at Mapungubwe
Discovery of Mapungubwe
(2007-01-10T09:27:41Z) Van Graan, Jerry Cornelius Olivier; mapmuseum@up.ac.za
Van Graan's handwritten account of the discovery of Mapungubwe
Discovery of Mapungubwe - media rights
(2007-01-10T09:26:53Z) Fouche, Leo
Letter from Prof. Fouche to the Rector of the University of Pretoria informing him of an agreement with the Cape Argus re media rights to the story of the discovery of Mapungubwe

Browse

Recent Submissions