Phansi Museum
The Phansi Museum has a vast selection of local artwork and pieces from other countries in southern Africa.
The museum is located in a restored Victorian house – a national monument – in Glenwood. Here you will find African artwork, including bead-work, wire baskets, clay pots, fertility dolls, carvings and wood sculptures. The selection is so extensive, that you should try set aside at least 45 minutes for a tour.
Times & Fees
The Phansi Museum is open from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. On weekends you can visit by appointment only. Visiting the museum is not recommended for children younger than 12. The fee for adults is R35, students R22 and children younger than 16 is R28.
(Fees are as at September 2011)
Contact Details
500 Esther Roberts Road, Glenwood
Tel: 031 206 2889
Things to know about Zulu art & craft:
Beadwork
No selection of African art would be complete without a display of beadwork. Durban’s port and colonialisation provided the backdrop for large quantities of glass beads to be introduced to the local Zulu nation. The beads were used to trade. There are messages woven into the geometrical designs produced and worn by Zulus.
Zulu Beer Pots
Zulu beer pots are made from clay using the coil method and necks help prevent spilage. The base is a solid and the walls of the pot are made of long coils of clay. The pots are left to dry for about a week and then fired, in a hole in the ground and cow dung is used to make the fire.
Click Here to view photos of the Phansi Museum.