Who found the golden rhino of Mapungubwe?
University of Pretoria
The golden rhinoceros of Mapungubwe is a medieval artifact made from wood which is covered in thin sheets of gold from the medieval Kingdom of Mapungubwe, which is located in modern-day South Africa. It was found on a royal grave on Mapungubwe Hill in 1932 by archaeologists from the University of Pretoria.
Why is the golden rhino a symbol of Mapungubwe?
The golden rhinoceros of Mapungubwe symbolizes the trade and wealth that that city in South Africa enjoyed during the Middle Ages.
How big is the golden rhino of Mapungubwe?
145.26mm x 55.06mm
The gold rhino was recovered from Mapungubwe Hill from a burial site known as the “original gold grave” or M1 A620. It dates to the later occupation period of Mapungubwe from about CE 1250 – CE 1290. It weighs only 37.4g and is rather diminutive in size 145.26mm x 55.06mm.
How do humans benefit from rhinos?
Rhinos are gentle creatures that do not harm us, they benefit other species, habitats and communities just by being rhinos. Rhinos benefit mankind because of the natural resources within the rhino habitat with food, fuel, and income. Being one of Africa’s “big five,” the rhino brings in large sources of income.
Who was the first person to receive Mapungubwe?
The first recipient of the order (in the Platinum class) was the late former president Nelson Mandela.
What is the history of Mapungubwe?
The first people in Mapungubwe were early Iron Age settlers. They lived there from about 1000 AD to 1300 AD, and around 1500 Iron Age subsistence farmers also settled there. Their existence is confirmed by the discovery by archaeologists of a few potsherds identified as Early Iron Age pottery.
What was the significance of the Golden Rhino?
The golden rhinoceros, described as the South African equivalent of Tutankhamun’s mask, has taken on added significance in South Africa as it is now the symbol of the Order of Mapungubwe, South Africa’s highest honour that was first presented to Nelson Mandela in 2002.
What is the meaning of the Golden Scepter?
A scepter is a ceremonial staff, often used by kings. With its jewels and ornamentation, a scepter is a symbol of power. Scepter is related to a Greek verb that means to prop oneself or lean on something. That makes sense, since a scepter is something a ruler can lean on, like any other staff.
Why was the Golden Rhino hidden?
The ANC appropriated the golden rhinoceros for the new South Africa and held it up as evidence of a southern African Renaissance before the arrival of Europeans. In 1999 the gold rhinoceros was designated a National Treasure. At the centre of the award is a representation of the gold rhinoceros.
What is a rhino’s purpose?
Why rhinos matter Rhinos have been around for millions of years and play a crucial role in their ecosystem. They’re important grazers, consuming large amounts of vegetation, which helps shape the African landscape. This benefits other animals and keeps a healthy balance within the ecosystem.
Why do poachers want rhino horns?
The ongoing poaching of rhinos is due to the demand for their horn, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine and for other purposes among people in Asian countries. Traditional Chinese medicine has used rhino horn for conditions including gout, rheumatism, fever, headaches, vomiting, food poisoning and typhoid.
Where was the golden rhino of Mapungubwe found?
Found here, amongst the burials, were countless gold beads, a gold sceptre and a small golden rhino.
Where was the golden rhinoceros buried in South Africa?
The gold rhinoceros was buried with a member of Mapungubwe’s ruling royal elite, which further enhanced its symbolic power. The golden rhinoceros did not emerge from its royal grave until the 1930s when a team of academic and amateur archaeologists from the University of Pretoria excavated a graveyard on Mapungubwe Hill.
When did the gold rhinoceros become a national treasure?
In 1999 the gold rhinoceros was designated a National Treasure. In 2002 the ANC created the Order of Mapungubwe, the highest honour in South Africa, of which there are four classes: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Nelson Mandela was the first to receive the highest of these awards, platinum.
When did the ruins of Mapungubwe get discovered?
The ruins of Mapungubwe were uncovered in 1932. Subsequent excavations revealed a court sheltered in a natural amphitheater at the bottom of the hill, and an elite graveyard at the top—with a spectacular view of the region. Twenty-three graves have been excavated from this hilltop site.
