Ncome Museum: a site full of historic riches
Ncome Museum, near Dundee, is located near the site of the battle of Blood River and boasts a culturally rich and diverse perspective of the events of December 16, 1838.
THE NCOME-Blood River heritage site is a unique battlefields in South Africa.
The site, which is named after the nearby river known as ‘Ncome’ in isiZulu and ‘Bloedrivier’ in Afrikaans, witnessed a major battle between the Voortrekkers and amaZulu on December 16, 1838.
The site has two museums in close proximity, portraying the different interpretations and points of view.
The Ncome Museum building was designed in the shape of buffalo horns, which was the formation, initiated by King Shaka, in which the Zulu army attacked.
The museum came into being in 1999 as part of the National Government’s Legacy Project of preserving the histories of all people of South Africa.
The collection on display at the museum includes traditional outfits, beadwork and pottery. One of the most famous items on display is King Dingane’s elaborately-carved wooden chair, of which two replicas were made and are on display at both museums.
To the east of the museum is a mountain called iNtaba kaNdlela (Ndlela’s Mountain’). Ndlela was the Chief Commander of the amaZulu during the battle, and his warriors rested on this mountain before crossing the Ncome/ Blood River to iNtibane Mountain which is west of the museum. iNtibane is also known as Vegkop (Battle Hill) in Afrikaans.
The Ncome Museum is situated in an area surrounded by isiZulu and seSotho homesteads, and its displays reflect aspects of both cultures. Its focus is the positive re-interpretation of the 1838 Boer-Zulu confrontation.
Themes covered include a display of Zulu Kings, preparation for wars, events leading to the ‘battle’ of Blood/Ncome and the aftermaths of 1838, women’s involvement in wars, as well as Sotho and Zulu cultural material.
