Mapungubwe Collection – University of Pretoria
Are you aware that one of the most remarkable artefacts ever discovered in South Africa, the Mapungubwe gold rhino, is housed right here in Pretoria?
By: Charl Steenkamp
The rare and unique gold rhino figurine is part of the University of Pretoria’s Mapungubwe archaeological Collection which dates from AD 1000 – AD 1300. The artefacts were discovered in 1933 at Mapungubwe and the collection has expanded as a result of more excavations over the years.
The Mapungubwe collection is the largest of its kind in the country and is said to be one of the foremost museum collections for use in comparative studies and research in Iron Age archaeology. The museum also curates one of the largest ancient gold collections in Southern Africa.
The State of Mapungubwe
Around the 12th century within the Limpopo valley, a pre-colonial state existed. It’s believed that this state were the first class-based social system in Southern Africa and is one of the oldest known African kingdoms in South Africa. The civilization prospered between 1200 and 1290 AD and became rich through international trade, with places as far as China, Egypt and India. The kingdom went into decline around the 1300’s.
Today Mapungubwe is a World Heritage Site, a National Park and is one of the most famous of Iron Age archaeological sites in South Africa.
The collection
Like many museum collections, most of the Mapungubwe Collection due to the fragmentary nature of archaeological artefact is not on display and remains in storage. There are future plans to expand more exhibition space to accommodate more artefacts. At present a substantial collection is also on display at Mapungubwe National Park. The main exhibition room has the most notable items on display, including the gold rhino, feline and bovine, which are illuminated in glass cabinets in the centre of the room. Surrounding them are ten display cases containing the original artefacts of gold, iron, stone, clay, pottery, shell and glass. Pretoria is however, the only place to view the gold rhino.
Admission:
Per Person rates (Self-Guided):
Adults: R 50
Pensioners: R 40
External students: R 25
Visiting Scholars & Researchers: R 30
Children & Learners (under 18s): Free
UP students and staff: Free access with valid student or personnel card (UP staff & students only) SAMA & ICOM members: Free
UP Alumni: 10% off
- Museum hours: Monday– Friday 08:00-16:00
- Closed on weekends and public holidays
- Tel: 012 420 3100
- Email: museums@up.ac.za
- Official page at the University of Pretoria: University of Pretoria Museums & Collections
The museum is located at the University of Pretoria in the beautiful Old Arts Building.
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