New technology brings ancient Melville Koppies smelter to life
Visitors had an opportunity to new information board and Augmented Reality video.
Close to 70 people visited Melville Koppies on May 3 to experience a new information board and an augmented reality video that brings a smelter last fired more than 500 years ago back to life.
The narrated 3D video, available in four languages, explains how early farming communities, ancestors of seSotho and seTswana speakers, built and operated the smelter.
Visitors learned about the materials needed for the process and the skills passed down through generations to manage the 16-hour smelting operation.
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Some visitors opted for a longer guided tour, where they explored further evidence of habitation by hunter-gatherers, also known as the Bushmen-San, and early farming communities.
The tour also gave visitors insight into what the area may have looked like thousands of years ago, while highlighting plants traditionally used for poisoned arrows and food.
Melville Koppies is open every Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30.
Entrance costs R100 for adults, R50 for under-18s and is free for children under five.
Visitors can book a guided tour on 072 348 0578 or explore the trails on a self-guided walk. Entrance fees contribute towards the wages of the conservation team maintaining the site.
Secure parking is available at Marks Park on Judith Road, while security is provided on the Koppies.
For more information, visit Melville Koppies.
