Archaeology Department

Archaeology is the study of the material traces of past human activity; a set of methods and techniques used for writing history based on the material remains that humans leave behind. It covers the span of time from our earliest ancestors, and in principle extends to within moments of the present. It is most commonly applied to periods for which there is little record except the material one. Archaeology is often said to be the study of stones, old bones, and ancient monuments: but it is, of course, ultimately, a study of and for people.

Research

Research is based on fieldwork (surveys and excavations) and analysis of existing collections. Upgraded archiving of the collections enhances their value as research collections. Current projects reflect research initiated by the museum as well as a range of collaborative ventures with or by visiting researchers. Research feeds directly into the museum’s display and education programmes and is vital to keeping these programmes current and dynamic.

Collections

The McGregor Museum’s archaeology collection dates back to 1908 when Maria Wilman, first museum director, accessioned the first items.

Functions & Services

Research is based on fieldwork (surveys and excavations) and analysis of existing collections. Upgraded archiving of the collections enhances their value as research collections.

Current projects reflect research initiated by the museum as well as a range of collaborative ventures with or by visiting researchers.

Archaeological sites in the province cover more than a million years of human history.

Follow these Links:

Exhibitions: Ancestors Gallery

Archaeology & Rock Art Sites

Wildebeest Kuil– Article – Trust

DriekopsEiland – Article

Canteen Kopje– Mining Impacts

Taung

Public Archaeology and Archaeological Tourism

Indigenous knowledge systems and the teaching of history

Glossary

Current research projects are mainly focused on provenance studies of pottery. The most important is the study of pottery from Mapungubwe, one of South Africa’s most important archaeological sites. Other research, however, is also undertaken on an ad-hoc basis.

PROVENANCE STUDIES

Provenance studies using PIXE, XRF or the microprobe have been carried out on:

Mapungubwe period pottery from the Shashe-Limpopo Valley and beyond
Venda (Soutpansberg) and Sotho-Tswana pottery
Type R pottery from the Riet River
Khoi Coastal pottery
Studies on temper and clay mixing
Early Iron Age pottery from KwaZulu‑Natal
Miscellaneous pottery from Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana
Ostrich eggshell
Gold
Woodstock glass
Specularite, hematite and ochre

SARM‑69 CERAMIC‑1 REFERENCE MATERIAL

In conjunction with Prof W. van der Westhuizen of the Geology Dept, University of the Free State and MINTEK, a reference material (previously known as a “standard”) specifically for pottery analyses was developed from a batch of potsherds and certified for a range of elements in cooperation with a number of international laboratories (Jacobson et al 2002). This reference material is known as SARM‑69 CERAMIC‑1 and samples can be obtained from Prof van der Westhuizen (email address: vdWestWA@sci.uovs.ac.za). All funds generated go back into research as the development was paid for out of our research funds. More elements (especially rare earths) need certification so this presents an opportunity for someone.