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Question 1
1. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
MAPHUNGUBWE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
The ancient city of Mapungubwe (meaning “hill of the jackal”) is an Iron Age archaeological site in
the Limpopo province on the border between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, 75 km from
Messina. It sits close to the point where the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers meet. One thousand years
ago, Mapungubwe appears to have been the centre of the largest known kingdom in the African
sub-continent. The civilization thrived as a sophisticated trading centre from around 1200 to 1300 AD,
trading gold and ivory with China, India and Egypt.
The site was “discovered” on 31 December 1932, when a local informant, Mowena, led E.S.J. van
Graan (farmer and prospector), his son and three others to Greefswald farm on Mapungubwe Hill. On
the hill, they noticed stone walls and on closer inspection, they recovered gold and iron artifacts,
pottery and glass beads. Van Graan's son recognised the academic value of the site and contacted the
head of the Department of History at the University of Pretoria, Professor Leo Fouché. As a result of
his intervention, the University negotiated with the owner of the property, E.E. Collins. In a legal
agreement, the University took ownership of the gold and other artifacts and secured an option and a
contract for excavation rights. The University also successfully requested a postponement of
prospecting, mining and related activities on Greefswald. In June 1933, Greefswald was bought by the
Government and excavation rights were granted to the University of Pretoria. The University
established an Archaeological Committee, which from 1933 to 1947 oversaw research and excavations
(read more about the excavations).
Mapungubwe Hill is 300 m long, broad at one end, tapering at the other. It is only accessible by means
of two very steep and narrow paths that twist their way to the summit, and yet 2 000 tons of soil have
been artificially transported to the very top by a prehistoric people of unknown identity.
Archaeological enquiry uncovered the remnants of numerous dwellings, which had been built on the
ruins of predecessors over many generations, resulting in a series of habitation phases. Radiocarbon
dates show that the first buildings were erected below the hill at the beginning of the 11th century AD.
But adjacent to Mapungubwe is the sister site of Bambandyanalo, which was settled even earlier. It
seems that the centre of the state shifted from Bambandyanalo to Mapungubwe Hill in about 1045 AD,
when the town most probably became overcrowded. It was also at about this time that hills and
mountains became associated with royalty and the noble classes began to build their structure on high
ground. This is an important observation as it provided evidence of the extensive wealth and social
differentiation of the people of Mapungubwe; in other words, this ancient civilization was class based.
The gold findings are also evidence of early gold smelting. A large number of artifacts from the royal
family were discovered at Mapungubwe. The best known of these objects is the golden rhinoceros. All
in all, the amount of gold from this burial amounted to 7 503 ounces.
, Greefswald farm remained the property of the State from the 1930s. Management of the farm was
taken over by the provincial Department of Nature Conservation in 1992 and control was transferred to
SANParks in 1999. Mapungubwe was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in July 2003.
1.1. Write down the following:
1.1.1. The grade you are going to teach this lesson to.
Grade 6 - This grade is suitable because students at this level can understand basic historical
concepts and the significance of ancient civilizations. The curriculum for Grade 6 often
includes the study of early societies and cultures, making the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
a relevant topic.
1.1.2. The teaching strategy or strategies that you will use.
[Pick 2 - Don’t use all these strategies in your assignment]
Interactive Lecture
Explanation: Begin with an engaging lecture that introduces the Mapungubwe Cultural
Landscape, highlighting its location, historical significance, and the discovery of artifacts. Use
visuals like maps, pictures of artifacts, and diagrams to make the content more accessible.
Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview and set the context for deeper exploration.
Storytelling
Explanation: Narrate the discovery of Mapungubwe in a story format, focusing on the journey
of E.S.J. van Graan, his son, and the local informant, Mowena. Highlight the sense of
adventure and discovery.
Objective: To capture students' interest and make the historical account memorable.
Group Activities
Explanation: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different aspect of the
Mapungubwe civilization to explore (e.g., daily life, trading practices, gold smelting, social
structure). Provide resources and guide their research.
Objective: To encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and deeper understanding through
research and discussion.
Hands-on Activity
Explanation: Have students create replicas of artifacts using clay or other craft materials. They
can make items such as pottery, glass beads, or the golden rhinoceros.
Objective: To provide a tactile learning experience that reinforces the content and stimulates
creativity.
Visual and Multimedia Resources
Explanation: Show documentary clips, animations, or virtual tours of the Mapungubwe site.
Use online resources from museums or educational websites.
Objective: To enhance visual learning and provide a more immersive experience.
