Spears week: annual intervention into the Human Sciences collections

Spears were the focus of the annual intervention into the KwaZulu-Natal Museum’s Department of Human Sciences (DHS) Collections. DHS staff—including Dr. Wintjes, Dr. Laue, Mr. Munzhedzi, Ms. Tlhoaele, Mr. Madonda, and Ms. Shabalala processed over 300 spears. The spears in the Human Sciences Anthropology collection were mostly collected during the 19^th and early 20^th century in Zululand and Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal), but do include examples from other provinces in South Africa, various countries in Africa, the South Sea Islands, and Australia.

The spears were measured, cleaned, and conservation measures were taken where necessary. They were then photographed and moved to their new location which has better environmental controls. All details were updated on our collections database.

Dimakatso Tlhoaele cleaning an Australian wooden fishing spear.

Mudzunga Munzhedzi photographing a spear.

Phumulani Madonda rehousing a spear onto the new shelving with Nothando Shabalala databasing in the background.

Nothando Shabalala inputting all new data onto our database.

The spears on their new shelving.

Archaeological Society Talk: Excavation and Rock Art in the Waterberg
Ghilraen Laue and Professor Lyn Wadley in front of the large sheep painting at the site we were excavating.

Date: Saturday 27 August 2022

Time: 10h30

Venue: Phansi Museum, 500 Esther Roberts Rd, Glenwood, Berea, Durban

We might have to limit numbers so it is essential that you RSVP to book a place. Send your RSVP to  Ghilraen Laue (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

In October 2021 and February 2022 Dr Ghilraen Laue, Human Sciences Department of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, joined Professor Lyn Wadley of Wits University for fieldwork on the Kaingo Private Game Reserve in the Waterberg. The work involved the surveying and recording of rock art sites and an excavation at Kaingo Shelter. They recorded a total 15 rock art sites, six of which were new. The rock art includes fine-line hunter-gatherer art, finger-painted farmer art and possible herder art. The 2x1 m excavation in Kaingo Shelter yielded Later Stone Age deposits, including a large quantity of ostrich eggshell beads, as well as some ephemeral Middle Stone Age material. In this presentation Ghilraen takes you on a journey to see some of the amazing discoveries both in the rock art and from the excavation.

  Ghilraen flagging finds so they can be mapped with the EDM

An unexpected visitor to the museum recently caused consternation for some of the staff.  On returning to work after a weekend, a bat was discovered desperately clinging to the carpet on the stairs leading to the first floor of the galleries.  Dr Williams managed to remove the bat from the stairs and realising the bat was very cold, kept it in a dishtowel in a warm spot and sought advice.  A member of Bats KZN – The Bat Interest Group of KZN - provided advice on what to do and the bat was kept warm and allowed to rest.  That evening a volunteer and staff member tried to release the bat, and although it was responsive and active, it did not want to fly away.  So the following day the bat was collected by a member of Bats KZN so it could be rehabilitated by people with the necessary expertise. A Bats KZN member examined the bat and identified it as a male Egyptian Free-tailed bat (Tadarida aegyptiaca).  They usually weigh 15 grams, but this bat only weighed 12 grams suggesting it had not eaten for a few days.  It did not have any fractures, but had some bruising on the left forearm and wrist.  It was then provided with appropriate treatment and TLC.  The Free-tailed bats get their name from having a “free” tail – the tail in not fully enclosed in the membrane. These creatures are very important in the ecosystem, eating insects and keeping the mosquito population under control.  If you ever find an injured bat, it is advisable to get expert advice as these creatures are very sensitive and require specialised treatment.

The Bat Interest Group of KZN provide rehabilitation for injured bats and are a great source of information should you have any bat related queries.

Photos courtesy of Kirsten Steytler