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Ancient artefacts a stone throw away

View the ancient ‘dagga pipe’ at the Mananda Museum

WHILE locals and visitors take advantage of northern KwaZulu-Natal’s breathtaking shorelines, vibrant cultural traditions and extensive wildlife, few are aware of the ancient artefacts hidden away in a small Mzingazi ‘rondavel’ outside Richards Bay.

Mananda Museum, established by Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) as part of the community’s Esidusisweni Heritage Centre in 1998, preserves pottery, stone tools and animal bones dating back to 600 AD.

It boasts a ‘Msuluzi pot’ from the 600s to a ‘Ntshekane’ pot from the late 900s, painting a clear picture of the early stone age people’s ever-evolving crafting ‘fashions’.

Even an ancient ‘dagga pipe’ is on display in one of the glass encasements.

From a 'less is more' Msuluzi pot (600-780 AD) to a more decorative Ndondondwane pot (780-950 AD), visitors can enjoy the evolving art of the Iron Age population at the Mananda Museum in Mzingazi
From a ‘less is more’ Msuluzi pot (600-780 AD) to a more decorative Ndondondwane pot (780-950 AD), visitors can enjoy the evolving art of the Iron Age population at the Mananda Museum in Mzingazi

These unique items were first discovered in dunes by archaeologists in the 1970s during RBM’s intensive investigations into the area before the company’s mining operations commenced in 1977.

Photographs of the archaeological activities with descriptions adorn the walls of the small museum, while lifelike Zulu figures in traditional attire tells of the nation’s more recent history.

After being inspired by the fascinating relics left behind by KwaZulu-Natal’s iron age population, guests can jump straight ahead into modern times on site with traditional Zulu arts, crafts and clothing sold by local women at the neighbouring rural development centre.

 

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