Mapungubwe Museum

Mapungubwe Museum
The remains of an ancient society, now known as the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, lay forgotten for more than seven centuries until, in the early 1930s, a local resident revealed their existence to the University of Pretoria. The remains of this ancient society, now known as the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, lay forgotten for more than seven centuries until, in the early 1930s, a local resident revealed their existence to the University of Pretoria. 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.
For more information please contact:
University of Pretoria
Curator Mapungubwe Museum
Tel: +27-12-4203146
Fax: +27-12-4202262
Or email: mapungubwe@postino.up.ac.za