Lyndenburg Museum, Mpumalanga, South Africa
S 25° 06.259 E 030° 29.127
36J E 246419 N 7221139
This museum is best known and the home of 7 terracotta heads from the Early Iron Age (about 490 AD).
Waymark Code: WMJBQG
Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
Date Posted: 10/26/2013
Views: 3
The small Lyndenburg Museum was established in 1972, and houses a display of historical artifacts, cultural history and human heritage from the province of Mpumalanga, serving tourists, school groups, the general public and the scientific community. Exhibits include artifacts and history of the Stone Age, items from the Pedi, Ndebele and Afrikaner cultures, and even some the famous “Long Tom” Cannons that were an important military feature in the Anglo-Boer War battles and skirmishes which took place in this region. There are exhibits on early gold mining and military history also.
One of the most popular (and highly advertised) exhibits in the Lyndenburg Museum are the “Lyndenburg Heads”, seven intricately carved ceramic or terracotta heads dating back to around 490 AD (the Early Iron Age). The artifacts were discovered on a farm in Lydenburg in 1957 by a 10 year old child named Ludwig von Bezing, who developed a fascination with archeology as a result of the find, and years later returned to excavate still more artifacts from the location. The Lyndenburg heads on display in the museum are Plaster of Paris replica casts, while original heads are on display at the Iziko South African National Museum in Cape Town and are considered National Treasures.
Note: as of 2006, the town of Lyndenburg was officially renamed "Marshing", but locals and local signs still use the original name.
Theme:
History, culture, heritage.
Street Address:
The museum is located at the entrance to the Klingbiel Nature Reserve:
Klingbiel Nature Reserve
Voor Trekker St (Hiway R37)
Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa 1120
Food Court: no
Gift Shop: yes
Hours of Operation:
Varies by season, however generally open 9am to 5pm, Monday thru Saturday. To check current hours and specific rates (by age or group rates) please use the contact data below:
Phone: 013 235 2213
Fax: 013 235 2213
email: jcelliers@thabachweu.org.za
Cost: 7.00 (listed in local currency)
Museum Size: Small
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
In order to log this waymark in this category, you must be able to provide proof of your visit. Please post a picture of yourself or your GPSr in front some identifiable feature or point of interest either in the museum, or on the museum grounds.