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Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, Unisa, Pretoria

Where is it?

The museum is located on the main campus of the University of South Africa (Pretoria) in the Theo van Wyk Building (Room 4-160). It is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00; telephone: (012) 429-4111.

What is on display?

• The exhibitions and collections of the museum depict the diverse cultures, history and pre-history of Southern Africa. Some of the items that those interested in African Origins will enjoy include:
• Part of the collection of Stone Age tools of the Early Stone Age (2 million-200 00 years ago), Middle Stone Age (200 000-40 000 years ago) and the Later Stone Age (40 000 years ago to the present)
• Artefacts such as reconstructed pots, iron blades and hoes, copper ingots (used as currency), glass and gold beads as well as grinding stones from the Early Iron Age (c. AD 400-1000) and the Later Iron Age (c. AD 1000-1830)
• The Anthropology collection consists mainly of artefacts that are representative of the life and traditions of indigenous peoples of Southern Africa. These include pottery, beadwork, musical instruments and utensils for daily use.
• The Palaeo-Anthropology collection consists of casts made from original hominid fossils. Two exceptional specimens are the Taung child and Mrs Ples (both Australopithecus africanus).
• Several tracings of San rock paintings from Mpumalanga Province of South Africa are housed or displayed in the Museum.

More information

• www.unisa.ac.za/dept/vir/mmuseum.html