TOPIC three

Gold was not mined at Mapungubwe, but was brought from mines further north. Gold was very difficult to get out of the ground. It was also very scarce. The gold was mixed with other metals, heated and then shaped into objects. Unlike previous metals they used such as copper and iron, gold did not rust and it lasts forever, which is why they loved using it. These properties of gold made it very valuable. 

The picture above is what is left of the golden sceptre found at Mapugubwe. The wood that was once there decayed and all that is left is the golden handle. It would have been a long stick, similar to a walking stick, but the handle was covered in gold. Over the years the wooden handle would have decayed and only the gold remained, which is why it looks very short.

Scepters are still used today by some royals. Comparing and observing how things are used today can give us clues to help us understand people in the past.

Other important golden artefacts found at Mapungubwe were the bowl, other incomplete golden animals, a headrest and some decorations.

There were other artefacts that were not made of gold left behind too. The website below says: "There were thousands of glass beads found from all over the world; large composite ‘garden roller’ beads from K2; stone beads made from calcite and quartz; beads made from ostrich eggs; beads made from seashells and beads made from the shell of the terrestrial land snail. It is believed that beads were a sign of status, and different meanings were given to each colour.

White is thought to represent purity, black represents the ancestors, green is for fertility." Take a look at the website below for more information and pictures of some of the artefacts.