The Mapungubwe gold graves revisited

Abstract

The Mapungubwe graves were discovered and excavated in the 1930s. Owing to a number of factors, very little information on these graves is available today. In this paper we present and discuss information found in the archives relating to the three gold burials. It is possible that some other graves were also associated with gold. The circumstances under which these graves were excavated are highlighted and previously unpublished photographs are included. It is proposed that at least one of the burials, namely the 'Gold Grave', was a secondary burial, similar to that of the Thulamela male burial. This is based on the arrangement of the bones as well as the positioning of the gold objects found with the grave. The skeletons are destined for reburial.