Sian Tiley-Nel | University of Pretoria (original) (raw)
Papers by Sian Tiley-Nel
University Museums and Collections Journal, 2020
This paper presents data about the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on university museums and coll... more This paper presents data about the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on university museums and collections through the stories and reflection of individual university staff from Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. It is shown that one common impact was the requirement for university museums and collections to transfer much of their programing to digital platforms. While there is obviously much uncertainty as to the shape of the global university sector after the pandemic, some university museum and collection staff felt that challenges could be turned into opportunities through creatively reimagining the work of the university museum.
.................................................................................................... more .................................................................................................................................... v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................. vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................................ ix CHAPTER I: A CONTESTED PAST AND ARCHIVE Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 Considering an archive .......................................................................................................... 2 Changing archival perspectives ............................................................................................. 6 Contextualizing the archive .................................................................................................. 12 Reconsidering the Mapungubwe Archive ............................................................................ 16 Chapter outline .................................................................................................................... 18 CHAPTER II: REVISITING MAPUNGUBWE LITERATURE Previous research ............................................................................................................... 22 Early literature: 1930s to 1940s ........................................................................................... 25 Post-War studies: 1950s to 1960s ...................................................................................... 31 Discipline years of Archaeology: 1970s to 1980s ............................................................... 35 Post democracy years: 1994 to the 21st century ................................................................. 43 CHAPTER III: THE TRANSVAAL TREASURE TROVE: A CONTESTED DISCOVERY ‘Finders Keepers’ ................................................................................................................ 54 Treasure trove: a brief history ............................................................................................. 56 Ignored indigenous histories ............................................................................................... 60 Legendary Lotrie: Francois Bernard Lotrie (1825-1917) ...................................................... 66 Back to the Battle of Dongola: 1922 .................................................................................... 74 ‘Forgetting Frobenius’: 1928-1929 ....................................................................................... 77 The famous five discoverers: 1932 and J.C.O. van Graan (1908-1987) .............................. 82 The Transvaal Treasure: 1933 ............................................................................................. 89
South African Archaeological Bulletin, 2022
Vryheid (MNR04) is a small, isolated Late Iron Age homestead dated between the 18th and 19th cent... more Vryheid (MNR04) is a small, isolated Late Iron Age homestead dated between the 18th and 19th centuries, located in northern South Africa. During excavations in 2014, a carved ivory artefact was exposed on the floor of a burnt-down hut. Because the item was extremely fragmented and fragile, but also a rare local example of carved ivory, directed conservation steps were implemented to reconstruct and conserve it. Microscopy, microtomography and X-ray diffraction analyses were conducted to determine the species of ivory. The results show that it was likely made from the lower incisor of a hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Comparisons with ethnographic objects from the region suggest that the artefact could have been a pommel or decorative knob on the sheath of a ceremonial knife. The fire that consumed the hut seems to have been a sudden event since several valuable objects-in addition to more mundane ones-were still inside the hut when it burned down. This allows us to interpret the ivory object in relation to its multiple contexts. By adopting a 'relational biography' approach (Joy 2009), this article draws together evidence from diverse sources to bring 'drama' to our understanding of the object, and helps situate it within its specific social, economic and material nexus.
Microchemical Journal, 2023
The use of repetitive voltammetry for dating archaeological gold objects is described. The method... more The use of repetitive voltammetry for dating archaeological gold objects is described. The method involves the record of the gold-silver-, and copper-related voltammetric responses obtained for metal nanosamples attached to graphite electrodes immersed into HCl electrolytes. This methodology permits to characterize different electrochemical types representative of different manufacturing techniques. Age estimates are based on the assumption that decuprification/desilvering processes advance with time under reasonably uniform conditions. Age calibration curves covering a range of ca. 2500 years were obtained from a set of archaeological samples from the Mapungubwe Gold Collection at the
University Museums and Collections Journal, Dec 1, 2020
South African Archaeological Society, Sep 1, 2019
The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been inve... more The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been investigated archaeologically for almost nine decades, yet little is known about its living context prior to its ‘discovery’ by the scientific community in 1933. We contribute to Mapungubwe‘s early history by examining its association with François Bernard Lotrie (or Lottering), who allegedly knew of the site‘s existence in the late 19th century. Lotrie appears to have lived as a hermit for a time near to Mapungubwe Hill, with romanticised versions of this narrative filtering into several texts. Writing an evidence-based account of this figure remains challenging owing to the scarcity of reliable primary sources. However, archival traces suggest that Lotrie and later his son Bernard Lottering acted as informal ‘custodians’ of the site, while also extracting value from it, before its emergence into archaeological fame. Our study exposes the fragile boundaries between myth and contested history in early accounts of Mapungubwe, revealing that the site was not as remote and unknown in the landscape of the recent past as previously thought.
The Encyclopedia of Archaeological Sciences, 2018
Electrochimica Acta
Abstract This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the T... more Abstract This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the Tafel analysis of the ascending part of voltammetric curves corresponding to the oxidation of surface flakes of gold in contact with hydrochloric acid aqueous electrolyte. This allows estimating the equilibrium potential of gold oxidation correcting for irreversibility effects. This equilibrium potential can be correlated with the coverage of adsorbed oxygen species and hence the estimated age of the gold samples. A satisfactory potential/time calibration graph was constructed from a set of archaeological samples including two sets of samples from the Mapungubwe Gold Collection, South Africa (1200–1290 CE) and Santa Llucia, Alcala de Xivert in Spain (dated back 600-550 BCE) sites. The dated samples come not only from different continents, but their ages also cover more than 3000 years.
Sian Tiley-Nel explains some of the meanings behind clay figurines and bone hairpins, copper arml... more Sian Tiley-Nel explains some of the meanings behind clay figurines and bone hairpins, copper armlets, iron bangles, gold leg rings, necklaces, decorative glass beads and other objects excavated at Mapungubwe. They testify to Iron Age technology – and to the place of women in their society.
Photographer Tim Hauf and writer Max du Preez blend their superb talents to capture the Essence o... more Photographer Tim Hauf and writer Max du Preez blend their superb talents to capture the Essence of a Land (2011), a book on South Africa and its World Heritage Sites with we--known contributing authors who are specialists. Essence of a Land, tells the previously untold stories with astounding photos of Vredefort Dome, Cradle of Humankind, the Cape Floral Kingdom, the uKhalhamba/Drakensberg National Park, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, and Robben Island. The foreword is written by Marthinus van Sckalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Journal of the Institute of Conservation, 2013
Extracted from text ... Historia, 50, 2, November 2005, pp 311-328. 311 Book Reviews - Boekresens... more Extracted from text ... Historia, 50, 2, November 2005, pp 311-328. 311 Book Reviews - Boekresensies Mapungubwe in a Prehistoric Nutshell Thomas N. Huffman, Mapungubwe: Ancient Civilisation on the Limpopo Wits University Press, Johannesburg, 2005 64 pp Soft cover Full colour photographs, maps, diagrams and sketches ISBN 1 86814 408 9 R95.00 This book is recommended for the average South African or tourist who would like to know more about the importance of the Mapungubwe cultural landscape and how it fits into the puzzle of the early prehistory of southern Africa. The social, cultural and political developments at Mapungubwe, which is situated on ..
Journal of African Archaeology, 2009
This paper presents direct dating evidence for the manufacture of some of the gold artefacts from... more This paper presents direct dating evidence for the manufacture of some of the gold artefacts from the Iron Age archaeological site of Mapungubwe Hill (South Africa). The results confirm that the artefacts are contemporaneous with the occupation of the site and are the product of a mature indigenous metalworking tradition. The Mapungubwe Hill gold artefacts were manufactured at a time when a substantial reorganisation of society led to the separation of royals and commoners and a change in the role of cattle as a form of wealth. These changes are clearly manifest in the use of gold. Whereas gold had previously been traded with the East coast, it became symbolic of power, wealth and status at Mapungubwe Hill.
Electrochimica Acta, 2020
This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the Tafel anal... more This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the Tafel analysis of the ascending part of voltammetric curves corresponding to the oxidation of surface flakes of gold in contact with hydrochloric acid aqueous electrolyte. This allows estimating the equilibrium potential of gold oxidation correcting for irreversibility effects. This equilibrium potential can be correlated with the coverage of adsorbed oxygen species and hence the estimated age of the gold samples. A satisfactory potential/time calibration graph was constructed from a set of archaeological samples including two sets of samples from the Mapungubwe Gold Collection, South Africa (1200e1290 CE) and Santa Llúcia, Alcal a de Xivert in Spain (dated back 600-550 BCE) sites. The dated samples come not only from different continents, but their ages also cover more than 3000 years.
The South African Archaeological Bulletin, 2019
The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been inve... more The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been investigated archaeologically for almost nine decades, yet little is known about its living context prior to its ‘discovery’ by the scientific community in 1933. We contribute to Mapungubwe‘s early history by examining its association with François Bernard Lotrie (or Lottering), who allegedly knew of the site‘s existence in the late 19th century. Lotrie appears to have lived as a hermit for a time near to Mapungubwe Hill, with romanticised versions of this narrative filtering into several texts. Writing an evidence-based account of this figure remains challenging owing to the scarcity of reliable primary sources. However, archival traces suggest that Lotrie and later his son Bernard Lottering acted as informal ‘custodians’ of the site, while also extracting value from it, before its emergence into archaeological fame. Our study exposes the fragile boundaries between myth and contested history in early accounts of Mapungubwe, revealing that the site was not as remote and unknown in the landscape of the recent past as previously thought.
Mapungubwe in a Prehistoric Nutshell Thomas N. Huffman, Mapungubwe: Ancient Civilisation on the L... more Mapungubwe in a Prehistoric Nutshell
Thomas N. Huffman, Mapungubwe: Ancient Civilisation on the
Limpopo
Wits University Press, Johannesburg, 2005
64 pp
Soft cover
Full colour photographs
University Museums and Collections Journal, 2020
This paper presents data about the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on university museums and coll... more This paper presents data about the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on university museums and collections through the stories and reflection of individual university staff from Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. It is shown that one common impact was the requirement for university museums and collections to transfer much of their programing to digital platforms. While there is obviously much uncertainty as to the shape of the global university sector after the pandemic, some university museum and collection staff felt that challenges could be turned into opportunities through creatively reimagining the work of the university museum.
.................................................................................................... more .................................................................................................................................... v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................. vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................................ ix CHAPTER I: A CONTESTED PAST AND ARCHIVE Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 Considering an archive .......................................................................................................... 2 Changing archival perspectives ............................................................................................. 6 Contextualizing the archive .................................................................................................. 12 Reconsidering the Mapungubwe Archive ............................................................................ 16 Chapter outline .................................................................................................................... 18 CHAPTER II: REVISITING MAPUNGUBWE LITERATURE Previous research ............................................................................................................... 22 Early literature: 1930s to 1940s ........................................................................................... 25 Post-War studies: 1950s to 1960s ...................................................................................... 31 Discipline years of Archaeology: 1970s to 1980s ............................................................... 35 Post democracy years: 1994 to the 21st century ................................................................. 43 CHAPTER III: THE TRANSVAAL TREASURE TROVE: A CONTESTED DISCOVERY ‘Finders Keepers’ ................................................................................................................ 54 Treasure trove: a brief history ............................................................................................. 56 Ignored indigenous histories ............................................................................................... 60 Legendary Lotrie: Francois Bernard Lotrie (1825-1917) ...................................................... 66 Back to the Battle of Dongola: 1922 .................................................................................... 74 ‘Forgetting Frobenius’: 1928-1929 ....................................................................................... 77 The famous five discoverers: 1932 and J.C.O. van Graan (1908-1987) .............................. 82 The Transvaal Treasure: 1933 ............................................................................................. 89
South African Archaeological Bulletin, 2022
Vryheid (MNR04) is a small, isolated Late Iron Age homestead dated between the 18th and 19th cent... more Vryheid (MNR04) is a small, isolated Late Iron Age homestead dated between the 18th and 19th centuries, located in northern South Africa. During excavations in 2014, a carved ivory artefact was exposed on the floor of a burnt-down hut. Because the item was extremely fragmented and fragile, but also a rare local example of carved ivory, directed conservation steps were implemented to reconstruct and conserve it. Microscopy, microtomography and X-ray diffraction analyses were conducted to determine the species of ivory. The results show that it was likely made from the lower incisor of a hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Comparisons with ethnographic objects from the region suggest that the artefact could have been a pommel or decorative knob on the sheath of a ceremonial knife. The fire that consumed the hut seems to have been a sudden event since several valuable objects-in addition to more mundane ones-were still inside the hut when it burned down. This allows us to interpret the ivory object in relation to its multiple contexts. By adopting a 'relational biography' approach (Joy 2009), this article draws together evidence from diverse sources to bring 'drama' to our understanding of the object, and helps situate it within its specific social, economic and material nexus.
Microchemical Journal, 2023
The use of repetitive voltammetry for dating archaeological gold objects is described. The method... more The use of repetitive voltammetry for dating archaeological gold objects is described. The method involves the record of the gold-silver-, and copper-related voltammetric responses obtained for metal nanosamples attached to graphite electrodes immersed into HCl electrolytes. This methodology permits to characterize different electrochemical types representative of different manufacturing techniques. Age estimates are based on the assumption that decuprification/desilvering processes advance with time under reasonably uniform conditions. Age calibration curves covering a range of ca. 2500 years were obtained from a set of archaeological samples from the Mapungubwe Gold Collection at the
University Museums and Collections Journal, Dec 1, 2020
South African Archaeological Society, Sep 1, 2019
The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been inve... more The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been investigated archaeologically for almost nine decades, yet little is known about its living context prior to its ‘discovery’ by the scientific community in 1933. We contribute to Mapungubwe‘s early history by examining its association with François Bernard Lotrie (or Lottering), who allegedly knew of the site‘s existence in the late 19th century. Lotrie appears to have lived as a hermit for a time near to Mapungubwe Hill, with romanticised versions of this narrative filtering into several texts. Writing an evidence-based account of this figure remains challenging owing to the scarcity of reliable primary sources. However, archival traces suggest that Lotrie and later his son Bernard Lottering acted as informal ‘custodians’ of the site, while also extracting value from it, before its emergence into archaeological fame. Our study exposes the fragile boundaries between myth and contested history in early accounts of Mapungubwe, revealing that the site was not as remote and unknown in the landscape of the recent past as previously thought.
The Encyclopedia of Archaeological Sciences, 2018
Electrochimica Acta
Abstract This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the T... more Abstract This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the Tafel analysis of the ascending part of voltammetric curves corresponding to the oxidation of surface flakes of gold in contact with hydrochloric acid aqueous electrolyte. This allows estimating the equilibrium potential of gold oxidation correcting for irreversibility effects. This equilibrium potential can be correlated with the coverage of adsorbed oxygen species and hence the estimated age of the gold samples. A satisfactory potential/time calibration graph was constructed from a set of archaeological samples including two sets of samples from the Mapungubwe Gold Collection, South Africa (1200–1290 CE) and Santa Llucia, Alcala de Xivert in Spain (dated back 600-550 BCE) sites. The dated samples come not only from different continents, but their ages also cover more than 3000 years.
Sian Tiley-Nel explains some of the meanings behind clay figurines and bone hairpins, copper arml... more Sian Tiley-Nel explains some of the meanings behind clay figurines and bone hairpins, copper armlets, iron bangles, gold leg rings, necklaces, decorative glass beads and other objects excavated at Mapungubwe. They testify to Iron Age technology – and to the place of women in their society.
Photographer Tim Hauf and writer Max du Preez blend their superb talents to capture the Essence o... more Photographer Tim Hauf and writer Max du Preez blend their superb talents to capture the Essence of a Land (2011), a book on South Africa and its World Heritage Sites with we--known contributing authors who are specialists. Essence of a Land, tells the previously untold stories with astounding photos of Vredefort Dome, Cradle of Humankind, the Cape Floral Kingdom, the uKhalhamba/Drakensberg National Park, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, and Robben Island. The foreword is written by Marthinus van Sckalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Journal of the Institute of Conservation, 2013
Extracted from text ... Historia, 50, 2, November 2005, pp 311-328. 311 Book Reviews - Boekresens... more Extracted from text ... Historia, 50, 2, November 2005, pp 311-328. 311 Book Reviews - Boekresensies Mapungubwe in a Prehistoric Nutshell Thomas N. Huffman, Mapungubwe: Ancient Civilisation on the Limpopo Wits University Press, Johannesburg, 2005 64 pp Soft cover Full colour photographs, maps, diagrams and sketches ISBN 1 86814 408 9 R95.00 This book is recommended for the average South African or tourist who would like to know more about the importance of the Mapungubwe cultural landscape and how it fits into the puzzle of the early prehistory of southern Africa. The social, cultural and political developments at Mapungubwe, which is situated on ..
Journal of African Archaeology, 2009
This paper presents direct dating evidence for the manufacture of some of the gold artefacts from... more This paper presents direct dating evidence for the manufacture of some of the gold artefacts from the Iron Age archaeological site of Mapungubwe Hill (South Africa). The results confirm that the artefacts are contemporaneous with the occupation of the site and are the product of a mature indigenous metalworking tradition. The Mapungubwe Hill gold artefacts were manufactured at a time when a substantial reorganisation of society led to the separation of royals and commoners and a change in the role of cattle as a form of wealth. These changes are clearly manifest in the use of gold. Whereas gold had previously been traded with the East coast, it became symbolic of power, wealth and status at Mapungubwe Hill.
Electrochimica Acta, 2020
This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the Tafel anal... more This report proposes a refined method to date archaeological gold samples based on the Tafel analysis of the ascending part of voltammetric curves corresponding to the oxidation of surface flakes of gold in contact with hydrochloric acid aqueous electrolyte. This allows estimating the equilibrium potential of gold oxidation correcting for irreversibility effects. This equilibrium potential can be correlated with the coverage of adsorbed oxygen species and hence the estimated age of the gold samples. A satisfactory potential/time calibration graph was constructed from a set of archaeological samples including two sets of samples from the Mapungubwe Gold Collection, South Africa (1200e1290 CE) and Santa Llúcia, Alcal a de Xivert in Spain (dated back 600-550 BCE) sites. The dated samples come not only from different continents, but their ages also cover more than 3000 years.
The South African Archaeological Bulletin, 2019
The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been inve... more The iconic 13th-century hilltop site of Mapungubwe (Limpopo Province, South Africa) has been investigated archaeologically for almost nine decades, yet little is known about its living context prior to its ‘discovery’ by the scientific community in 1933. We contribute to Mapungubwe‘s early history by examining its association with François Bernard Lotrie (or Lottering), who allegedly knew of the site‘s existence in the late 19th century. Lotrie appears to have lived as a hermit for a time near to Mapungubwe Hill, with romanticised versions of this narrative filtering into several texts. Writing an evidence-based account of this figure remains challenging owing to the scarcity of reliable primary sources. However, archival traces suggest that Lotrie and later his son Bernard Lottering acted as informal ‘custodians’ of the site, while also extracting value from it, before its emergence into archaeological fame. Our study exposes the fragile boundaries between myth and contested history in early accounts of Mapungubwe, revealing that the site was not as remote and unknown in the landscape of the recent past as previously thought.
Mapungubwe in a Prehistoric Nutshell Thomas N. Huffman, Mapungubwe: Ancient Civilisation on the L... more Mapungubwe in a Prehistoric Nutshell
Thomas N. Huffman, Mapungubwe: Ancient Civilisation on the
Limpopo
Wits University Press, Johannesburg, 2005
64 pp
Soft cover
Full colour photographs
Photographer Tim Hauf and writer Max du Preez blend their superb talents to capture the Essence o... more Photographer Tim Hauf and writer Max du Preez blend their superb talents to capture the Essence of a Land (2011), a book on South Africa and its World Heritage Sites with we--known contributing authors who are specialists. Essence of a Land, tells the previously untold stories with astounding photos of Vredefort Dome, Cradle of Humankind, the Cape Floral Kingdom, the uKhalhamba/Drakensberg National Park, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, and Robben Island. The foreword is written by Marthinus van Sckalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
The Department of UP Arts at the University of Pretoria has under its curation several high-quali... more The Department of UP Arts at the University of Pretoria has under its curation several high-quality collections. As part of the permanent museum collections, this ceramic collection is by far, one of the leading and most wide-ranging of its kind on public display in South Africa. This exhibition catalogue covers a range of mostly eastern and western ceramics, showcasing a selection of about 100 ceramics from around the world. This valuable collection represents a wide geographical spectrum, spanning from Europe, across Africa to East Asia and South America. This beautifully illustrated exhibition catalogue highlights the diversity and range of the types of both ancient and modern ceramics at the University of Pretoria and endeavours to present both a visual and aesthetic mapping of a mere fraction of the museum ceramic collections. ISBN: 978-1-77592-126-4
The Mapungubwe gold collection (AD 1220 - AD 1290) provides a glimpse into the wealth, diversity ... more The Mapungubwe gold collection (AD 1220 - AD 1290) provides a glimpse into the wealth, diversity and beauty of an archaeological gold collection, a large portion of which is on public exhibition. It is undeniably a great privilege to curate one of South Africa’s few archaeological gold collections that is regarded as a national treasure. Having the honour of caring for this invaluable gold collection, year in and year out, with applied consideration, utmost concern and charged with its conservation, one gains a finer appreciation of the Mapungubwe gold collection.
National Treasures: the Mapungubwe Gold Collection, 2019
The second Edition of National Treasures of the Mapungubwe Gold Collection at the University of P... more The second Edition of National Treasures of the Mapungubwe Gold Collection at the University of Pretoria marks the collections new contemporary home at the world-class Javett-UP Art Centre and co-incides with the launch on 24 September 2019 of this new centre dedicated to the art of Africa.
An exhibition catalogue which highlights an array of South African ceramics, ranging from a selec... more An exhibition catalogue which highlights an array of South African ceramics, ranging from a selection of archaeological ceramics, clay figurines, factory production ceramics, studio wares, historical and traditional ceramics to contemporary art ceramics. These form an integral part of the ceramic collections of the University of Pretoria and are now showcased on permanent exhibition in the new Letsopa African ceramics gallery.
This book is for the archaeologist, conservator, museum professional or student and covers the pr... more This book is for the archaeologist, conservator, museum professional or student and covers the preservation of archaeological bone and ivory from a South African context. Preservation of bone tools and elephant ivory from the Iron Age sites of K2 and Mapungubwe in South Africa presents a case-study on a guide to best practice in archaeological conservation.
This paper explores the history of the Mapungubwe archaeological collection at the University of ... more This paper explores the history of the Mapungubwe archaeological collection at the University of Pretoria
Mapungubwe Remembered is a 304-page hardcover volume covering the discovery and subsequent seven... more Mapungubwe Remembered is a 304-page hardcover volume
covering the discovery and subsequent seventy-five years of research by the University of Pretoria at the world renowned archaeological site of Mapungubwe. Under the editorship of Sian Tiley-Nel, Chief Curator of the Mapungubwe Collection, this commemorative book comprises articles by leading academics and research specialists on Mapungubwe. It is illustrated with over 400 photographs in full colour and interwoven with rare, unpublished, black and white archival photographs dating back to the 1930s.
The cowrie shell is one of the most remarkable primitive currencies ever used before the advent o... more The cowrie shell is one of the most remarkable primitive currencies ever used before the advent of gold and silver
coinage. This shell extended its range further than any form of money before or since, spreading from China and India to
the Pacific Islands, travelling across and encircling Africa and then penetrating the New World. This paper explores the archaeological and maritime context of the cowry. Cypraea moneta and other cowries present an interesting field of research in both the maritime and terrestrial archaeological
records.
Sian Tiley-Nel explains some of the meanings behind clay figurines and bone hairpins, copper arml... more Sian Tiley-Nel explains some of the meanings behind clay figurines and bone hairpins, copper armlets, iron bangles, gold leg rings, necklaces, decorative glass beads and other objects excavated at Mapungubwe. They testify to Iron Age technology
– and to the place of women in their society.
