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Emseni: Visiting researcher investigating the Early Iron Age in KwaZulu-Natal

Visiting Researcher, Kefilwe Rammutloa, PhD candidate at Yale University, has spent the last six weeks in the Department of Human Sciences at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum analyzing pottery and other archaeological finds from Emseni, near Weenan. This Early Iron Age, dating to around 1400 years ago, was excavated earlier this year by Kefilwe Rammutloa with the assistance of archaeologists from the Museum. Her research investigates the when, where, how, and why questions relating to the way of life of Early Iron Age farmers in the province.

KR yale 2 Kefilwe Rammutloa (centre) explaining the decoration techniques used on one of the excavated pot sherds to Dimakatso Tlhoaele, Research Technician, and Mbali Maduna and Anele Bhengu, Department of Human Sciences volunteers (left to right).

KR yale 3 Mbali Maduna and Anele Bhengu washing pot sherds from the excavation. The pottery pieces need to be cleaned before the different styles of decoration are analyzed.

KR yale 4 The reconstruction and technical drawing are an important aspect of ceramic analysis.

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SIVIVANE SOGOGO! officially now open

The highly anticipated unveiling of the SIVIVANE SOGOGO! temporary exhibition lit up the Museum last night, drawing in a captivated audience. The exhibition draws its name from an insightful interview with Lunguza kaMpukane Mthembu in Pietermaritzburg back in 1909. Lunguza spoke of "izivivane" on the land—ancient piles of stones, often referred to by passers-by as ‘sivivane so gogo!’ (‘isivivane of our ancestors!’). In a nod to the bygone eras, we've meticulously crafted a new "isivivane" using age-old stones sourced from the museum’s extensive storage collections. These stones bear witness to a rich history, encompassing rock engravings, grindstones, ancient stone tools, and game boards. SIVIVANE SOGOGO! stands as a testament to a continuous and enriching collaboration between the CVA Artist Collective (Centre for Visual Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal) and the KwaZulu-Natal Museum’s Department of Human Sciences. This display will remain open for next 6 months, inviting all to step back in time and embrace the echoes of our heritage.

A big thanks to Spier Wines for their sponsorship of wine for the opening – we enjoyed a Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from their ‘Good Natured’ Organic range. Spier are an unwavering supporter of the arts as well as the ethical production of food.

People enjoying Spier wine at the opening.

The Good Natured organic range from Spier was on offer at the opening

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SIVIVANE SOGOGO! opening tonight

The name of our exhibition comes from an interview with Lunguza kaMpukane Mthembu in Pietermaritzburg in 1909. Lunguza spoke of izivivane on the land – ancient piles of stones (‘cairns’). Passers-by would address these: ‘sivivane so gogo!’ (‘isivivane of our ancestors!’).

We have created a new isivivane from old stones in the museum’s storage collections in commemoration of the times before our own. The stones include rock engravings, grindstones, ancient stone tools and game boards.

SIVIVANE SOGOGO! is part of an ongoing collaboration between the CVA Artist Collective (Centre for Visual Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal), and the KwaZulu-Natal Museum’s Department of Human Sciences.

SIVIVANE SOGOGO! opens tonight @ 6pm. RSVP to Nozipho at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 033 345 1404.

sivivane sogogo3 fig3

sivivane sogogo3 fig2

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