The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

Friday, 31st July 2009 (629 views)

Part of the "history of gold" has been unlocked by archaeologists and scientists in South Africa.

The breakthrough was achieved by a team from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Mapungubwe Museum at the University of Pretoria, who were examining artefacts excavated from Iron Age graves on Mapungubwe Hill in 1933.

Anklets, bracelets, beads, ornaments and other objects incorporating the precious metal were discovered at the site but because gold cannot be directly carbon dated, their age could not be accurately determined.

However, by extracting organic fibres entwined within the gold anklets, the team was able to successfully carbon date the treasures.

They discovered that the Mapungubwe Hill artefacts were produced in the 13th century, making them some of oldest specimens of gold craftsmanship ever to be discovered in southern Africa.

CISR archaeologist Marc Pienaar told Mining Weekly that the dating of the artefacts coincides with one of the first examples of "social complexity".

"The people followed a central kraal pattern but, with the discovery of gold, the royals distanced themselves from the rest of the colony, moving to the top of the hill," he said.

His CISR colleague Dr Stephan Woodborne added that the precious metal "became symbolic of power, wealth and status at Mapungubwe Hill".

 

« Back to Gold News stories