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

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.

Accommodation Near Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

Guest Rating: 10

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Sleeps 25 in 10 units

^FromR 1180

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The Village in Hatfield

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hatfield

1.4km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

The Village In Hatfield provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hatfield, Pretoria / Tshwane. The Village in Hatfield is a delightful guesthouse offering a cluster of separate units, perfectly appointed for a comfortable stay in the heart of Pretoria. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 22 in 9 units

^FromR 510

Per person, per night sharing

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Bed & Breakfast in Hatfield

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hatfield

1.5km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Bed and Breakfast in Hatfield - as the name suggests, provides bed and breakfast accommodation, but also self catering in Hatfield, Pretoria / Tshwane in the Gauteng province. We are close to the Pretoria CBD and bustling Hatfield is a 10min walk away. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 25 in 6 units

^FromR 498

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Queensrest

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

3km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Queensrest provides self catering accommodation in Queenswood Pretoria in Gauteng. Centrally situated in the established suburb of Queenswood, just a short distance from the Pretoria CBD. 6 Self-catering units to choose from. (Units sleep 4 - 6 adults). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 10

Sleeps 4 in 1 unit

^FromR 600

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Gratia

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pretoria

5.9km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Gratia Cottage offers 2 self-catering cottages located in the suburb of Waverley in Pretoria/Tshwane. The sunny and spacious self catering cottages can sleep up to 6-7 guests and exudes a homely appeal. The kitchens are fully equipped... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 10

Graded:

^FromR 570

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Die Pastorie Guesthouse/Gastehuis

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Pretoria

6.2km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Die Pastorie Guesthouse/Gastehuis provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Silverton to the east of Pretoria / Tshwane in the Gauteng province. We cater for the discerning corporate and leisure traveler. The guesthouse consists of seven luxurious... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 9.4

Sleeps 10 in 2 units

^FromR 300

Per person, per night sharing

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Fralande

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

6.3km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Fralande Lodge offers 2 self catering accommodation units in the Pretoria suburb of Waverley in Gauteng. (The units sleep 4 and 6). Overlooking a beautiful garden where one can find peace and tranquility. We have our guests best interest at heart... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 10 in 5 units

^FromR 490

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Swan-Lake Luxury Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Montana Park

6.7km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Swan-Lake Luxury Guesthouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Montana Park in Pretoria, Gauteng. Montana Park is a quiet leafy northern suburb of Pretoria which offers easy access to the Pretoria CBD. Our bed and breakfast is set in a beautiful... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 6 in 2 units

^FromR 425

Per person, per night sharing

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The Aviary

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

6.8km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

The Aviary offers self catering accommodation in Waterkloof Glen in the south-west of Pretoria. We offer two units, The Sparrow (sleeps 2) and The Swallow (sleeps 4). Each with en-suite bathrooms (shower and bath), HD flat screen with full package DSTV. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

* Rates may vary according to season

The Woodpecker Inn

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Woodhill Golf Estate, Pretoria

10.5km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

The Woodpecker Inn offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodation at the prestigious Woodhill Residential and Golfing Estate in Pretoria East. Woodpecker Inn is only 50 meters from the clubhouse, on the 18th fairway overlooking the 9th and 18th green... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 14 in 7 units

^FromR 440

Per person, per night sharing

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Peters Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Equestria

10.6km from Mapungubwe Museum - University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria

Peter's Guesthouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Equestria, Pretoria. Equestria is located to the east of Pretoria close to the N1 which is very handy for traveling into the Pretoria CBD. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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